By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a suspected cultist, Sherrif Haruna, for robbing people of their valuables in the state.
The 22-year-old suspect, popularly known as ‘Ogida,’ was arraigned before Chief Magistrate P. E Nwaka at the Yaba Magistrate’s Court on four counts of conspiracy, armed robbery and cultism.
It was gathered that Haruna belongs to a four-man syndicate that snatched a Toyota Camry last year June.
While the three others were arrested, Haruna escaped.
He was also reported to be involved in several highway robberies using a motorcycle.
Haruna had been on the police wanted persons’ list and was finally arrested on February 3, 2023, at Oko Afo, Badagry area of the state.
The prosecutor, Thomas Nurudeen, told the court that the defendant, while armed with a pistol, had robbed a motorcycle with number plate, LND 905 QM, valued at N500,000, property of one Jacob Edner; that he had also robbed one Uche Oheagbuo of her handbag and valuables worth N20.000.
According to Nurudeen, the offences contravened Section 296 and are punishable under Sections 299, 297 (1) (2) (a) (b), 2 (3) (a) (b) (c) (d) of the Criminals Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The charge read in part, “That you, Sherrif Haruna, and others now at large, on February 3, 2023, around 6pm at Oko Ago, Badagry, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire amongst yourself to commit felony to wit; armed robbery and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 299 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”
The defendant’s plea was not taken.
The prosecutor prayed the court to remand him pending DPP’s advice.
Magistrate Nwaka granted the prosecutor’s request and ordered the remand of the defendant for 30 days pending DPP’s advice.
He adjourned the case till March 22, 2023.