Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’Court sitting at Ibadan on Monday has remanded seven persons in prison, who allegedly involved in the kidnapping of twins of an Ibadan based Islamic preacher, Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold.
The defendants are Mohammed Bashir, 33, Oyeleye Opeyemi, 25, Olumide Ajala, 36, Taiwo Ridwan, 30, Rafiu Mutiu, 35, Fatai Akanji, 49, and Modinat Rafiu, 29.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendants of undisclosed address was charged on five – count of conspiracy, kidnapping, conspiracy and keeping kidnapped victims in their house.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Emmanuel Idowu, who did not take the plea of the defendants, ordered their remand at State Anti Robbery Squad, Ibadan , pending the outcome of the case file at the Oyo State Directorate of Public Prosecution, ( DPP).
Idowu, however, adjourned the matter till Oct. 7, for mention.
According to the Prosecutor, Sgt . Olusegun Adegboye told the court that the defendants allegedly conspired together to kidnapped their victims.
Adegboye said, ” Mohammed , Oyeleye , Ajala, Taiwo, Rafiu and Fatai was alleged to have unlawfully kidnapped one Wafeek Taofeek, 2 years and Wafeeqor Taofeek, 2, his twin sister.
” The six defendants allegedly collected N4, 000, 000 from the twins father, Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold before releasing them after eight days in their captivity
” Rafiu and his wife Modinat were alleged of willingly allowed their house at Ogbere area, Ibadan, to be used for the purpose of keeping Wafeek and his twin sister, Wafeeqor for eight days
” The couple was allegedly charged that they knows that the children was kidnapped ” said Adegboye.
He said the offence was committed on April 25, at about 7: 45pm at Alphonso Road, behind PHCN office, Sasa area, Ojoo, Ibadan.
Adegboye said the offence contravened section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State.
He said it also contravened section 2, and punishable under section 4 (2), 6 and 8 of the Oyo State Kidnapping (Prohibition ) Law 2016.
