Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
A 38-year-old man, Idowu Odedoyin has been arraigned before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for allegedly abducting a 4-year-old boy.
The accused person who pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, assault and breach of peace allegedly committed the offence on February 14, 2021 around 6:30 pm at Ijaodola Area in Modakeke-Ife.
The prosecutor, Inspector Elijah Adesina, told the court that the accused person conspired with others still at large to commit the assault.
He added that the accused person conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by invading the area forcefully and taking the boy, which caused pandemonium in the area.
The prosecutor further said the accused person also assaulted one Akinwale Sabitiyu by pushing and beating her up.
The offences committed contravene sections 249(d), 252, 351 and 517 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.
The Defence Counsel, Mr Ayodele Olaoye, prayed the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms, pledging that he would not jump bail, but would provide reliable sureties.
In his ruling, Magistrate Abiona Adebayo granted the accused person bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety in like sum.
He added that the surety must swear to an affidavit of means and reside within the court’s jurisdiction, with the address to be verified by the prosecutor and court officials.
The magistrate also ordered that the surety must present three recent passport photographs.
The case was thereafter adjourned till March 3 for hearing.