By: Bamidele Kolawole

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An Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court
has ordered the remand of 18-year-old Muhammed Bello, alleged of kidnapping.

The defendant, a herdsboy, was brought to court on two counts charge bordering on conspiracy and kidnapping.

Prosecuting counsel, Martins Olowofeso informed the court that the defendants committed the offences at about 6:pm, on February 6, 2024, along Igboke Camp, Ifon, Ondo State in the Akure Magisterial District.

The charge sheet reads: “That you, “Muhammed Bello ‘m’ and others at large, on February 6, 2024 at about 6pm along Igboke Camp, Ifon , Ondo State, in the Akure Magisterial District, conspired with others at large to kidnap one Adesola Adeleke ‘m’ and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

“That you, Muhammed Bello ‘m’ and others at large on the same date, time and place at the aforementioned Magisterial District, kidnapped one Adesola Adeleke ‘m’ and collected the sum of N1,800,000 as ransom
from the family before the release and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(A and B) of the Anti-kidnapping and Abduction Laws of Ondo State, 2010.

The plea of the defendant was not taken due to the nature of the offence,

Through an application, Olowofeso urged the court to remand the defendant at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the insurance of advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Counsel to the in defendant, D.A. Obidinma, prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him reply on points of law.

Magistrate Jayeola Okungade ordered the remand of the defendant at the Olokuta Prison facility.

He adjourned the case till June 19, 2024, for hearing.