CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Two men were on Monday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court over allegations of conspiracy, attempted kidnapping and unlawful entry in the Oshodi area of Lagos. The charges were filed by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
The defendants were Taofeek Shobola, 42, and Ricardor Samuel, 25. They appeared before the court to answer a three-count charge relating to offences allegedly committed in April 2026.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleged that the defendants and others now at large conspired amongst themselves to commit a felony. The alleged conspiracy was said to have taken place at about 0800hrs in Oshodi, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
In Count One, the defendants were accused of conspiracy to commit felony to wit kidnapping. The offence was cited as punishable under Section 3 of the Kidnapping Prohibition Law of Lagos State, 2017.
Count Two bordered on attempted kidnapping. The prosecution alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendants and others at large, with intent to kidnap, attempted to kidnap one Alhaji Wasiu Kushimo. The charge stated that the victim was allegedly held hostage and ransom demanded before his release. The offence was listed under Section 4 of the Kidnapping Prohibition Law of Lagos State, 2017.
In Count Three, the defendants were also accused of unlawful entry. The prosecution alleged that they entered the office of Alhaji Wasiu Kushimo at No. 8 Abdulrasak Street, Oshodi, Lagos, with intent to commit felony therein. The offence was brought under Section 307(a)(b)(c)(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The charges were read to the defendants in the open court. Court records showed that the allegations relate to a serious security incident within a commercial area of Lagos.
The matter was presented by officers of the Command Tactical Squad 1, State Headquarters, Ikeja. The Investigating Police Officer listed was Inspector Akhidenor Augustine, with the prosecutor as SP Banti Adamu.
During proceedings, SP Philip Ademigbuji moved a motion asking the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice, and as a result no plea was taken.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, ordered the remand of the defendants in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice. The court also directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and forward it to the DPP.
Given the gravity of the allegations, the court emphasized that kidnapping and related offences are treated with utmost seriousness under Lagos State law. The matter was adjourned to a later date for report of the DPP’s advice to be available, which will determine jurisdiction.
Authorities have urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and to allow the judicial process to run its full course. Legal experts say the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.