Court Remands Deposed Baale Of Shangisha In Prison
A Lagos State Magistrate Court in Ikeja yesterday remanded the deposed Baale of Shangisha, Chief Mutiu Ogundare in prison custody for allegedly faking his kidnap.
The Magistrate, Mrs Titi Akanni ordered that Ogundare be kept at the Kirikiri Prison alongside his wife, Abolanle and one Mohammed Opeyemi Babatunde pending when they would be able to perfection their bail condition.
Ogundare and his co-accused were arraigned before Magistrate Akanni by the police on Thursday on a three count charge of breach of public peace and fake kidnapping.
In count one, Chief Ogundare was alleged to have on July 5, this year “put himself forward to be kidnapped for the purpose of causing breach of public peace” contrary to Section 5 of the Kidnapping Prohibition 2017, No. C17, Law of Lagos State.
Count two stated that Mohammed and Abolanle on same day allegedly “did aid, counsel, abet and procure Mutiu Micheal Yusuf Ogundare to fake his kidnap” contrary to section Section 7(1) and (2) of the Kidnapping Prohibition 2017, No. C17, Law of Lagos State.
The three defendants were in the third count, alleged to have part in the offence of fake kidnap contrary to Section 16(1)(a-d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, CH. 17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to three count charge offence preferred against them.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr Glory Odimayo pleaded for bail for them.
Odimayo argued that the defendants are prominent members of the Shangisha community and would not jump bail.
“The third defendant, before this incident was the reigning baale while the second defendant is his wife and as such would not jump bail”.
He further assured the court that they would not use their position to tamper with evidence already before the court.
Citing relevant constitutional provisions and authorities, he urged the court to grant them bail stressing that the issue of bail is at the discretion of the court.
The prosecutor, Mr Peter Okerinmodun opposed the application saying that the defendants are popular members of the community and used such relationship to tamper with evidence.
Okerinmodun further told the court if granted bail, their presence in the community might cause a breakdown of law and order and that they would use their position to influence witnesses.
Ruling on the matter, Magistrate Akanni, citing Section 155 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2011, agreed with the defence is at the discretion of the court.
She granted bail to each of the defendants, in the sum of N2 million and two sureties in the like sum.
The court held that the sureties must include a traditional ruler, person with registered property in Lagos, must be a tax payer and a grade level 17 officer in the state public service.
She adjourned the matter till August 23 for commencement of trial.
