The four suspects accused of kidnapping the traditional ruler of Iba, a Lagos community, will be arraigned before the Igbosere Division of the Lagos High Court on Monday.
Duba Furejo, Ododomo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh will be brought before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo for offences of conspiracy to murder, murder, armed robbery and kidnapping.
In a statement issued by the Lagos State government on Sunday, the suspects would be arraigned on eight count charges relating to kidnapping of the monarch, as well as murder of the palace security guard, Sunday Okanlawon, and a commercial motorcycle rider, Joseph Okeke.
They would also be arraigned on attempted murder of the monarch’s wife, Abosede Oseni, and armed robbery of Mrs. Oseni’s property, the statement added.
The suspects, on July 16, allegedly kidnapped Yishau Oseni, the Oniba of Iba, reportedly shooting five people in the process.
Mr. Oseni, 73, was released after three months in captivity.
“The swift commencement of the trial of the suspects in the kidnap of the Oniba is a strong signal by the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode that it is not business as usual for criminals,” said Adeniji Kazeem, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
“If you commit a crime, we will find you and prosecute you no matter how long it takes.”
Mr. Kazeem said the state government would continue to support law enforcement agencies in the investigation and apprehension of all criminals, especially those involved in heinous crime of kidnapping, armed robbery and murder.
“Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is committed to ensuring that Lagos state becomes a no-go area for criminals who target innocent citizens for kidnapping and collection of ransom, in an effort to get rich quick,” he said.
Source: Premium Times
