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By Samuel Adegoke
Seven people accused of kidnapping two-year old twins of popular Ibadan-based Islamic cleric, Sheik Taofeek Akewugbagold, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital in April have been remanded in police custody.
The Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan ordered their remand on Monday. They will remain in remand pending legal advice.
The suspected kidnappers are Mohammed Bashir, 33; Oyeleye Opeyemi, 25; Olumide Ajala, 36; Taiwo Ridwan, 30; Rafiu Mutiu, 35; Fatai Akanji, 49; and Modinat Rafiu, 29.
The suspected kidnappers are facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping and keeping kidnapped victims in their house.
Prosecution counsel, Olusegun Adegboye, told the court that the suspects allegedly conspired to kidnap their victims.
Adegboye alleged that Mohammed, Oyeleye, Ajala, Taiwo, Rafiu and Fatai kidnapped a boy and his twin sister, adding that they demanded N4 million ransom from their father before releasing them after eight days in captivity.
The prosecution also alleged that Rafiu and his wife, Modinat, used their house in Ogbere area of Ibadan to keep the victims for eight days.The offence, he said, was committed at about 7:45pm on Alphonso Road, behind PHCN office, Sasa area, Ibadan on April 25.
Adegboye said the offence contravened the Section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State and is punishable under sections 4 (2), 6 and 8 of the Oyo State Kidnapping (Prohibition ) Law 2016.
Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Idowu, who did not take the plea of the suspects, ordered thir remand in the State Anti Robbery Squad, Ibadan.
Idowu ordered the police to return the case file to the Oyo State Directorate of Public Prosecution, (DPP) for legal advice.
The magistrate adjourned the matter till October 7 for mention.