By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Two individuals, Lekan Osansan and Olubodun Oladimeji, have been arraigned before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on charges of abducting a police inspector.
The suspects were accused of kidnapping Inspector Michael Aromeh, who was in uniform at the time of the incident.
According to the police prosecutor, Martins Olowofeso, the duo, along with others still at large, abducted the officer on January 12, in the Akure Magisterial District, taking him to an undisclosed location.
A team of police officers eventually rescued the inspector.
The charges brought against the suspects included conspiracy, kidnapping, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The charges read in part: “That you, Lekan Osansan ‘M’ and Olubodun Oladimeji ‘M,’ on the 12th day of January in Akure Magisterial District, did conspire together to commit felony to wit kidnapping of Inspector Aromeh Michael in uniform from NTA junction to an unknown destination and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.”
The second count accused the suspects of kidnapping the officer and noted that he was rescued by ASP Yahaya Ondeku and five others.
The offence is said to contravene Section 364 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.
The third count charged the accused with conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, an offence contrary to Section 249 (D) of the same law.
Both suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The police prosecutor requested that the court impose stringent bail conditions to ensure the suspects remained within the court’s jurisdiction.
The Chief Magistrate, R.A. Olumilua, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of ₦1 million each, with two sureties in like sum.
The court stipulated that one surety must be a Level 14 officer in the state civil service, while the other must either be a clergyman or a recognised community chief.
Additionally, each surety is required to deposit ₦500,000 with the court.
The case was adjourned till March 5, for further hearing.
