The Chief Magistrate's Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has ordered continued detention of two aides of a House of Representatives member, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele for alleged plot to attack, Mr. Deji Adesokan, a Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Internal Security.
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The two accused persons, Afolabi Oyediran and Oluwafemi Sunday, were arrested on December 20, 2013 at 7.30p.m. at Irewolede Estateon Ilawe Road, Ado Ekiti with a Barretta Pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition within Adesokan's premises.
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The duo were slammed with two-count charge of conspiracy and illegal possession of firearms, punishable under sections 324 of the criminal code, Cap 16 Laws of Ekiti State and 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearm Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
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When the charge sheet was read, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.
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The Presiding Magistrate, Simon Ojo, who ordered that the duo be remanded in prison custody pending the next adjournment date in his ruling, said their offences could pose serious security threat to the state.
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Magistrate Ojo averred that granting them bail at this stage might not be appropriate because the offences are serious and the issue of security. cannot be taken lightly.
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"So, the application is hereby refused," the judge said.
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Earlier, the Prosecutor, Cpl Olasunkanmi Bankole, told the Court that the police are not against bail for the accused persons, saying it is an exclusive prerogative of the Court to exercise such discretion.
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The Counsel to the accused persons, Barr Chris Omokhafe while arguing for bail, said "bail application is not a foreclosure of a case. It is not the finality , but a rudimentary legal way of making an accused person attends to trial.
The arrest is one that is very much deserved due to the callibre of crime they committed. I totally agree with this one.
Well so many people tried calling for the verdict and now it's happened for everyone to see. Attack Plots is not a small offence
This was very much expected and it is something that we were looking our for to happen. Good job
Plot to attack will always attract such punishment so it was very much expected. They have to watch it.
Such orders can't be rescinded at this point so it is just about time that happened so it is just about time something is done about this.