‘Abductors’ of Oyo cleric’s twins freed by court — after he forgave them

An Ibadan high court on Wednesday ordered the release of six people suspected to have abducted the twin children of Taofeeq Azeez, popularly known as “Akeugbagold”, an Islamic cleric in Oyo state.

Azeez was chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board(Muslim wing) during the administration of Abiola Ajimobi, ex-governor of Oyo.

The twins were abducted at their Ojoo residence in April 2020.

They were released eight days later after a ransom was paid to secure their freedom.

Two of the suspects were said to be Azeez’s employees.

Azeez had informed the court on Monday that he had forgiven the defendants and was not willing to give evidence against them.

He also prayed the court to mandate the defendants to sign an undertaking that no harm will befall him and his family.

Delivery his ruling on Wednesday, Mashud Abas, the presiding judge, directed that the suspects, who had spent 11 months in prison, be released.

“No legal purpose will be served by any attempt to waste judicial time in further prosecuting the defendants,” Abas said.

“I hereby strike out the suit and order conditional release of the defendants. I will not sign their release until the condition is adhered to.”