Appearing in an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State, six men have been arraigned by the Police on charges of conspiring with others to steal cash and a phone valued at N1.2 million.
The individuals facing charges are Emmanuel Nwachukwu (26), Abel Odiete (28), Chinedu Ihechi (27), Divine Eta (27), Boniface Isiah (32), and Titilayo Campos. They were charged with conspiracy, felony to wit grievous harm, kidnapping, unlawful deprivation, and stealing.
Despite the accusations, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court heard from Prosecutor Insp. Adegeshin Famuyiwa that the defendants allegedly committed the crimes around 10 a.m. at a hotel in the Parafa area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
Famuyiwa mentioned that the defendants conspired to intimidate and unlawfully confine Kapo Muniru and Oyedeji Samuel, the complainants, at the hotel.
She further stated that the defendants deprived the complainants of their liberty, forcefully took their phones, and managed to withdraw N1 million from Kapo Muniru’s bank account through fraudulent means.
It was thanks to community members that the complainants were rescued and advised to report the incident to the police.
These actions are said to violate various sections of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, including sections 411, 245, 271(3), 274, 287, and 287.
Magistrate Mr. A.O. Ogbe granted each defendant bail amounting to N2 million, requiring two sureties of equal sum. One surety must be a landlord with property and three years of tax payment records, while the other surety must own a company in Lagos State.
The case is scheduled for mention on September 9th, as determined by the magistrate.