A top business man, Akeem Ganiyu, has escaped kidnapping attempts in Ondo State after a 32-year old man, Olayemi Olawale, conspired and targeted to abduct him for ransom and it failed in the process.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened on 16th August, 2023, at Bovas Filling Station along Ore/Benin Express Road in Ondo State.
The alleged kidnapping attempt was reported to Police operatives at the Ondo State Command and the suspect was subsequently arrested while his other accomplices escaped.
He has been charged before the Odigbo Magistrate Court in Ondo State and the Court ordered his remand in custody at the Okitipupa Correctional Centre over his alleged conduct.
The Prosecutor, Inspector James Usifo, informed the Court that the defendant committed the offence on 16th August, 2023, at about 11:00am, accompanied by the duo of Awosika Olalekan and Olabamijo Iseoluwa, who were on his motorcycle.
According to the charge, the offence contravened Section 509 of the Criminal Code Cap. 37 Volume 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, then asked the Court to refer the matter to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice because of the nature of the case.
The defence counsel, Mr. M. E Tiewe, did not oppose the prosecutors request, hence the Chief Magistrate, D.O. Ogunfuyi, ordered his remand in custody pending the outcome of advice from the DPP and directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and send it to the DPP.
The matter was adjourned till 28th September, 2023, for mention for report of the DPP’s advice to be made available, which will determine if the matter will be transferred to the High Court or not over jurisdiction.
The suspect risks several years of imprisonment for the alleged offence if he is tried and found guilty before the Court.