By Kayode Olabanji
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A 58-year-old man, Mr Kayode Ajayi, popularly known as ‘Ekun’, and his two accomplice, will today appear before the Chief Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Oke-Eda, Akure.

Detectives of the Ondo State Police Command, had on Thursday dragged Ekun, with two others, Olumide Faleye,41, and their 38-year-old accomplice, Bola Ojo,  before the court  on three counts charge of conspiracy, kidnapping and abduction.

But the case was intercepted as a result of a letter brought before the court by a police officer, stating the order for withdrawal of the matter.

It will be recalled that detectives of the Command had arrested the trio last week, after they allegedly abducted Ayomide Ogunsusi, a 23-year-old student of Adeyemi college of Education, in Ondo town.

Earlier on Thursday, the accused persons were already docked, before the scenario changed, which led to their being discharged and acquitted.

The prosecution had  alleged the accused of kidnapping and abducting the girl on November 29, 2018 at about 9.30am at Isinkan market, along Ondo road Akure, with intent to compel her family to get cash sum of money as ransom for her release.

The prosecution said the offence contravened Section 516 of Criminal code cap37 of the Ondo State of Nigeria 2006,3(i)(ii) (b) of Ondo state anti-kidnapping and anti-abduction law of 2018 and Section 5 of Ondo State Laws, 2010.

Their plea was not taken.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Suleiman Abdulateef, earlier asked the court to remand the three accused persons in Olokuta prison custody.

But the lawyers who appeared for the accused persons opposed the application for remand in prison custody.

 Instead, Messrs Morakinyo Ogele and Femi Akintoye, informed the court that they wanted to file Counter-Affidavits. While they urged the court to return the accused persons back to police custody.

Shortly after, the prosecutor announced to the court that there was a letter for withdrawal from the Commissioner of Police.

The Magistrate, Mrs Victoria Bob-Manuel, consequently struck out the case.

 She thereafter discharged and acquitted the accused persons.

Meanwhile, the State Police spokesman, Mr Femi Joseph told The Hope Metro that the case had not been withdrawn, but rescheduled to today.