The juvenile defendants adopted names of renowned notorious armed robbers in the country. They are, Timilehin Femi (Anini), 13 years; Ojo Sunday (Oyenusi) 16; Omoniyi Ogundere 17 (Osunbor); Odeyemi Ayodele 18; Timilehin Ojo, 22, Iyabo Femi 30 and Kehinde Ayodele, 36.
Recall that Lawrence Nomanyakpon Anini was a Nigerian bandit who terrorised Benin city in the 1980s along with his sidekick Monday Osunbor, while Ishola Oyenusi (popularly known as Dr. Ishola), was a notorious Nigerian armed robber who was active during the 1970s.
Oyenusi and Anini were remanded alongside their mothers Iyabo Femi 30 and Kehinde Ayodele, 36 who were alleged to make charms to fortify them for operations and prevent their arrest.
Niger Delta Connect reported that Men of the Ondo State Security Network Agency also known as Amotekun Corps had arrested the defendants for allegedly committing the crime at Ilara-Mokin on April 10, 2022.
They were charged to court and arraigned on thirteen counts bothering on conspiracy, burglary and stealing.
The state prosecution led by Mr Oluwasegun Akeredolu, informed the court that the defendants; Anini, Oyenusi and Osunbor, stole a mini POS and other valuable items from one Mrs Grace Falaye.
The charge read in part: “That you, Sunday Ojo, Timilehin Femi and Omoniyi Ogundere on or about April 10, 2022, at about 9:30 am, at llara-Mokin, a place within the criminal jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did steal a mini-POS, property of Mrs. Falaye Grace”.
The prosecution further alleged that the mothers; Odeyemi Ayodele and Iyabo Sunday made charms for Ojo Sunday, Timilehin Femi, Ogundere Omoniyi, meant to protect burglars, robbers and theft and also to prevent them from arrest, detention and conviction.
Also, Ojo Sunday’s mother, lyabo was accused of receiving the sum of N10,000.00 which was obtained by means of stealing, knowing same to have been stolen on or about April 9, 2022, af ljare.
According to the Prosecution, the offences contravene Sections 516, 390 (9) 414 3 (1) 427 519 and 273 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
Based on the nature of the offence against the defendants, Akeredolu prayed for an order to remand him at the correctional centre, which was supported by an affidavit but Counsel to the defendants, Benjamin Obilo opposed the application made by the prosecutor and urged the court to consider their ages.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Tope Aladejana, in his ruling, ordered the remand of all the defendants in Amotekun custody.
He adjourned the case till May 12, 2022 for hearing.
