Bodija explosion: Court remands three over stockpiling of explosives

By Bushrah Adeshina, Ibadan

A Federal High Court in Ibadan has remanded three persons at the Agodi Correctional center for their roles in the January 16 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.

The suspects are one woman, Ramatu Camara, aged 47, Ganiu Malik, 20 and Abubakar Samasa 64 have been charged with conspiracy, use of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, stockpiling of radioactive materials and dispersal of biological weapons.

According to the prosecutor, 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.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The presiding Judge, Hon Justice Ekerete Akpan, of Federal High Court 2 ordered that they should be remanded in the Agodi correctional centre.

Akpan adjourned the suit until April 11 for hearing in their bail applications.

Earlier, the police prosecution, Mr Michael Ojeah had told the court that Camara, Malik and Samasa were facing a five-count charge

Ojeah further added that the defendants and others currently at large, committed the crime about 7.30 p.m on January 16, at Aderinola of Dejo-Oyelese Street, Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Prosecution said the defendants stored radioactive materials inside a building which exploded and led to the death of a 65 year-old woman known as Bolanle Badmus and 13 others.

He subsequently informed the court that he was prepared to present his case.

However, the defence counsel, Mr Adeola Adebayo, prayed the court for a short adjournment in order to file some applications.