Magistrate T. Akanni of Ogba magistrate’s court, Ikeja, yesterday, ordered the deposed Baale of Shangisha, Chief Mutiu Ogundare, to be remanded in Kirikiri Prison for allegedly faking his kidnap.
The Baale, alongside his wife, Abolanle, will remain in prison’s custody with one Mohammed Babatunde, pending the perfection of their bail conditions. Ogundare and others were arraigned before the court on a three-count charge offence bordering on breach of public peace and fake kidnapping.
However, they all pleaded not guilty to the offences preferred against them by the Police.
The defendants’ counsel, Mr. Glory Odimayo, pleaded for their bail. Odimayo argued that the defendants are prominent members of the Shangisha community and will not jump bail. Odimayo urged the court to grant them bail, while citing relevant constitutional provisions and authorities, stressing that the issue of bail is at the discretion of the court.
The prosecutor, Mr. Peter Okerinmodun, opposed the application, saying if granted bail, their presence in the community might cause a breakdown of law and order and that they will 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 that bail is at the discretion of the court. She latter granted the defendants N2 million bail with two sureties in like sum.
She further ordered that the sureties must include a traditional ruler, person with registered property in Lagos, be a tax payer and a Grade Level 17 officer in the state public service. She, thereafter, adjourned the matter till August 23 for hearing.
