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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has remanded three persons to Agodi Custodial Centre over their roles in the January 16 explosion at Bodija area of Ibadan, the Oyo of capital.
The police arraigned Ramatu Camara, 47; Ganiu Malik, 20; and Abubakar Samasa, 64, for alleged conspiracy, use of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, stock piling of radio active materials and dispersal of biological weapons, on Wednesday.
The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice E.U. Akpan ordered the suspects to be remanded at Agodi custodial centre and adjourned till April 11 to hear their bail application.
Earlier, the police prosecutor, Mr Michael Ojeah, had told the court that Camara, Malik and Samasa were facing a five-count charge.
Ojeah added that the defendants and others at large committed the crime about 7.30pm on January 16 at Aderinola Street, off Dejo Oyelese Street, Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija Ibadan, Oyo State.
The police prosecutor further said the defendants stored radio active materials inside a building, which exploded and led to the death of a 65-year-old woman, identified as Bolanle Badmus and 13 others.
According to Ojeah, the offence contravened the provisions of sections 26, 42 (A) and (B), 43(1) (A) and (2) (C) 1 (A) 58 (1) (A) of the Terrorism, Prohibition and Prevention Act 2022.
He subsequently informed the court that he was ready for the trial of the suspects.
However, the defence counsel, Mr Adeola Adebayo, prayed the court for a short adjournment in order to file some applications.