Court remands nine allies of wanted Oyo park boss over ‘possession of firearms’

A magistrate court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo state, has remanded nine associates of Mukaila Lamidi, sacked chairman of the state park management system (PMS).

On Friday, the nine suspects were arraigned on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms.

The suspects are Olaniyi Abiodun, Kamoru Yusuf, Odunayo Ismaila, Kolawole Joshua, Oladosu Kunle, Fatai Abidemi, Oluwole Akanbi, Sarafadeen Adewale and Tirimisiyu Odunayo.

They were accused of attacking, maiming and dispossessing people of their valuables running into millions of naira in Ibadan.

“That you, ( suspects) and others now at large on 29th May 2023 at about 14:00 pm at Governor Seyi Makinde”s residence, Ikolaba area, Ibadan in the magistrate court district did conspire together to commit felony to wit armed robbery and, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 6 (B) of the robbery and firearms (special provision) act Cap R 11 Vol 14 laws of the federal republic of Nigeria 2004,” the charge sheet reads.

Speaking during the trial, J. D. Olaniyan, counsel to the defendants, said the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case owing to the charges levelled against the suspects.

Olaniyan prayed the court to remand the suspects at Agodi correctional centre pending the time the case will be assigned to a competent court of law.

“Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the case with the nature of the charges which range from attempted murder to armed robbery,” the counsel said.

“I, therefore, pray the court to remand them at Agodi correctional centre for accessibility and convenience.

“This will make it easier for their counsels to prepare their defence as well as the bail application.”

In his ruling, S.H. Adebisi, the magistrate, said the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case owing to the charges against the defendants.

He ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison and subsequently adjourned the case till July 26.

THE ARREST

On May 30, operatives of the Oyo police command raided a hotel belonging to Lamidi popularly known as Auxiliary and recovered arms, ammunition, cash, and charms.

He was said to have escaped during the raid which led to the arrest of 78 other suspects said to be loyal to him.

Some days later, the police declared Lamidi wanted.