KINGSLEY EBERE
Police operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, Lagos have arrested a 31-year old man, Iheme Franklin Christian, for allegedly kidnapping a 15-year old boy for N20,000 ransom.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at FESTAC town in Lagos.
The victim, Master Tochukwu Agba, was allegedly kidnapped by the suspect and the matter was reported to the Police. The operatives moved into action, eventually arrested the suspect and detained at the State Command for interrogation over his alleged conduct.
After interrogation, the Police found him culpable and consequently charged him before the Ebute Metta Magistrate Court for the alleged offence, which attracts several years of imprisonment.
The charges read:
COUNT I:”That you, IHEME FRANKLIN CHRISTIAN ‘M’ and others still at large, on the 2nd day of October 2024, at FESTAC Town, Lagos, in the Lagos State Magisterial District, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit; kidnapping, deprivation of liberty and demand for ransom and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”
COUNT II:”That you, IHEME FRANKLIN CHRISTIAN ‘M’ and others still at large, on the 2nd day of October 2024, at FESTAC Town, Lagos, in the Lagos State Magisterial District, did unlawfully capture and detained one Tochukwu Agba ‘m’ aged 15 years from his home and received the sum of N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) only sent into your POS Smart cash account No. 9045597992 operated by Miracle Nnamdi and still kept the victim in your custody and thereby, committed an offence punishable under Section 271 (1) (2) (3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”
COUNT III:”That you, IHEME FRANKLIN CHRISTIAN ‘M’ and others still at large, on the 2nd day of October 2024, at FESTAC town, Lagos, in the Lagos State Magisterial District, did unlawfully confine or detain one Tochukwu Agba ‘m’ aged 15 years old against his will from his parent’s home after collection of ransom and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 272 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”
COUNT IV:”That you, IHEME FRANKLIN CHRISTIAN ‘M’ and others still at large, on the 2nd day of October 2024, at FESTAC Town, Lagos, in the Lagos State Magisterial District, did knowingly, unlawfully capture and detain one Tochukwu Agba ‘m’ from his parent’s home against his will, and used GSM Nos, 08127165381, 09045597992 to communicate the mother (Benita Agba) for the ransom.”
However, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Inspector Francisca Job, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Adedayo Tella, granted him bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.