According to the charge sheet, the culprits abducted Mr. Odimayo on June 15, 2017 at about 6:00 a.m. and took him to an unknown destination with the intent of holding him for ransom.
The Akure Magistrate Court in Ondo State has remanded in prison custody four culprits arrested for the kidnapping and murder of Olumide Odimayo, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The four culprits are David Seimoyenga, 22; Fikesie Inuesokan, 26; Bekewei Francis, 50; and Gbamila Success, 21, who masterminded the abduction of the late chieftain at his Igbotu residence in Ese Odo local government area of the state.
A SaharaReporters correspondent gathered that the four culprits are currently facing charges of conspiracy, felony, armed robbery and kidnapping before the court.
According to the charge sheet, the culprits abducted Mr. Odimayo on June 15, 2017 at about 6:00 a.m. and took him to an unknown destination with the intent of holding him for ransom.
“The four accused later robbed the APC chieftain of his three (3) mobile phones (Samsung Galaxy) and deliberately killed him when the family could not quickly provide the ransom,” the charge sheet read.
The charge sheet obtained by SaharaReporters further read that the offenses are punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
Prosecuting counsel Martins Bakare said the police have diligently carried out their investigation over the case, citing the contents in the charge sheet.
Mr. Bakare counseled the court to send a duplicate of the file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
He also pleaded with the court to remand the four accused persons in the custody of the Olokuta Maximum Prison pending the legal advice of the DPP.
The counsels to the accused persons, Isaac Adubazi and Samuel Ayesa, did not oppose the prosecuting counsel’s application.
In her ruling, presiding Magistrate Victoria Bob-Manuel ordered that the four culprits be remanded in prison custody.
She then adjourned the case till July 31, 2017.
Tuesday’s court ruling came after the late Odimayo’s remains were laid to rest at his country home in Igbotu, Ese Odo, Ondo State.
Our correspondent reported that family members, friends, and other well-wishers wept as they paid their respects to the late chieftain.
Among the mourners at the burial ceremony was Ondo State Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi. He lamented the loss of Mr. Odimayo, describing him as a leader in the Igbotu community.
Mr. Ajayi, who commiserated with the family members of the deceased on behalf of the state government, said his death was painful and a big loss for the state.
“His gruesome death is a big loss to Apoi land and the people of Ondo State,” he said.
Felix Akinbuluma, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Irele, condemned the rampant killings and kidnappings in Nigeria while calling on the government to provide jobs for the unemployed youths in the country.
He also urged security agencies to improve security in the state.
