Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
A Magistrate Court remanded the three suspected thieves who were terrorising students communities of Adakolo , Felele , Bassa Village and Crusher in the outskirts Lokoja, kogi State capital. Also another suspect was also remanded for impersonation , extortion and fraud.
The three accuses were arrested in connection with the recent attacks on the students populated communities and dispossessing of valuables such as smart phones, computers and other items
The suspects, Abbas Salisu who admitted to have stolen 33 phones , Gimba Ibrahim and Mamud Lawal Kwara who claimed to be phone technicians, allegedly bought stolen phones from the prime suspect were arraigned by the Department of State Service before the Chief Magistrate Court in Lokoja yesterday.
The Prosecution counsel, Olanrewaju Yahaya, who filed the case before the Magistrate Court, urged the court to remand the accused persons at in the custody of Koton Karfe Mediun Correctional centre pending the investigation of the case.
The t trio were dragged before the court on four count changes that they criminally conspire to commit an illegal act to wit; theft of phones, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97 (1) of Kogi State Penal Code.
That one Abbas Salisu stole 33 phones (Android and button) valued at N1million, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 287 of Kogi State Penal Code.
That the two other suspects , Gimba Ibrahim had dishonestly received stolen phones from Abbas Salisu knowing full well that they are stolen properties, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 317 of Kogi State Penal Code.
That the accused belong to gang of thieves associated for the purpose of stealing along Adankolo, Ibro Motor Park, Felele No Time Lodge Okadigbo, Kogi State Polytechnic environs and Federal University Lokoja, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 306 of Kogi State Penal code.
After the four charges were read to hearing of the suspects , the denied all the allegations saying it was false.
However, the Defence counsel , Mr. M.A. Abbas, sought for adjournment to enable him prepare formal application for their bail.
Meanwhile, the trial Chief Magistrate, Abdullahi Mopa remanded the suspects in custody Koto Karfe Correctional centre.
He therefore adjourn the case till 9th for heating.
Similarly, the Chief Magistrate Court has remanded one Austin Obaje in the Custody of Koton- Karfe Medium Correctional Centre for allegedly impersonation , extortion and fraud.
Obaje was dragged before the Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly and consistently using the name of DSS to defraud the unsuspecting public.
Obaje was brought to Court on charges that the accused person has fraudulently obtained the sum of N300,000 from Dr. Simeon Oyigun Omkoj who is the Chairman Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch, under the false pretence that you were sent by Mr Tosin Ajayi, the State Director, State Security Service, Kogi State Command, thereby committed an offence of cheating by personating punishable under Section 322 of Kogi State Penal Code.
And that the accused person also committed an extortion by deliberately putting one Dr.Simeon Oyigun Omakojin, the Chairman Kogi East Neighbourhood watch), in fear of death to wit: that the immediate Past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
The Prosecution counsel , Yahaya Olarewaju orally applied for the remand of the accused person pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The Defence Counsel, William Alewoha urged the court to grant the him bail to enable him to prepare to defend his case, noting that the accused will not jump the bail or interfere in the investigation.
He later sought adjournment to enable him prepare formal application for bail.
The Chief Magistrate Abdullahi Mopa, in ruling remanded the accused person in the Custody of Koton Karfe Correctional centre.
He adjourned the case till 9th May 2024 for hearing.
