P.M.EXPRESS reports that Inspector Akpabio was arraigned before the Ebute Metta Magistrates Court for conspiracy and accessory after the fact of stealing a day-old baby by two suspected members of a child theft syndicate, Golokemo Joy and Blessing Emmanuel was established.
The arrested and arraignment of Inspector Akpabio was as a result of revelations by the two key suspects, Joy and Blessing at the SCID, Yaba, Lagos, during investigation.
Inspector Akpabio was found culpable after he was implicated during the investigation and was subsequently arrested, dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and charged before the Court.
The Police alleged that the suspects conspired sometime in December, 2022 at Iba and Iyana Ipaja areas of Lagos, stole the baby, which they sold to an unidentified buyer before the information leaked to the Police, who eventually arrested them.
The prosecutor, Supol Paul, told the Court that the alleged offence committed was contrary to Sections 411and 415 of the Criminal Laws of the State, which attracts several years of imprisonment.
However, they pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned.
The prosecutor then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since they pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that they actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.M. Ajayi, granted them bail with sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendants were remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre, pending when they will perfect their conditions.