Deposed Baale of Shangisha, wife remanded in Kirikiri

The deposed Baale of Shangisha, Chief Mutiu Micheal Ogundare, was on Thursday, remanded in Kirikiri Prison on the orders of an Ogba Magistrate for allegedly faking his kidnap.

Charged alongside Chief Ogundare is his wife, Abolanle. and one Mohammed Opeyemi Babatunde.

The trio would remain in prison custody pending the perfection of their bail condition.

Ogundare and his two alleged accomplices  were  arraigned before  Magistrate (Mrs) T. Akanni on  a three count charge bordering on breach of public peace and fake kidnapping.

In count one, Chief Ogundare was alleged to have on July 5, put himself forward to be kidnapped for the purpose of causing breach of public peace contrary to Section 5 of the Kidnapping Prohibition 2017, No. C17, Law of Lagos State.

Count two stated that Mohammed and Abolanle on the same day allegedly aided counselled  Mutiu Micheal Yusuf Ogundare to fake his kidnap contrary to section Section 7(1) and (2) of the Kidnapping Prohibition 2017, No. C17, Law of Lagos State.

The three defendants were in the third count, alleged to have conspired in the offence of faking the kidnap contrary to Section 16(1)(a-d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, CH. 17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to three count charge offence preferred against them.

Counsel to the defendants, Mr Glory Odimayo asked the court to grant his clients bail.

Odimayo argued that the defendants are prominent members of the Shangisha community and would not jump bail.

“The third defendant, before this incident was the reigning Baale while the second defendant is his wife and as such would not jump bail,” the counsel said.

He further assured the court that they would not use their position to tamper with evidence already before the court.

The prosecutor, Mr Peter Okerinmodun opposed the application saying that the defendants are popular members of the community and used such relationship to tamper with evidence.

Okerinmodun further told the court if granted bail, their presence in the community might cause a breakdown of law and order and that they would use their position to influence witnesses.

Ruling on the matter, Magistrate Akanni granted bail to each of the defendants, in the sum of N2 million and two sureties in the like sum.

She said the sureties must include a traditional ruler, person with registered property in Lagos, must be a tax payer and a grade level 17 officer in the state public service.

The matter was adjourned till August 23 for hearing.