By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

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An Akure Magistrates’ Court has remanded  a middle-aged farmer, William Bassey for allegedly providing information and buying food items for kidnappers.

Magistrate T.I. Ayodele ordered Bassey’s remand in Olokuta Correctional Centre, pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Amotekun Corps earlier arraigned Bassey on charges of conspiracy, aiding and abetting.

Prosecuting counsel, D.S. Msonter-Shagba, informed the court that in July 2024, at Ilu Abo, Ondo State, Bassey gathered and gave information to kidnappers to facilitate their activities.

The prosecutor also alleged that Bassey aided the kidnappers by purchasing and supplying food items to them.

The offences are punishable under Sections 5(1) and 11 of the Ondo State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 2010.

Shagba applied for Bassey’s remand, pending advice from the DPP in the State Ministry of Justice.

Bassey denied the allegations, claiming he was returning from his farm when vigilante men accosted him and led him to the town’s monarch, accusing him of being an agent for kidnappers.

Magistrate Ayodele ordered the case file to be sent to the DPP and adjourned the case for mention.