From Emmanuel Onwusoro, Ado-Ekiti
An Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, has remanded one Adu Ariyo at the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Ado-Ekiti.
The 28 year old defendant was arraigned before Magistrate Saka Afunso, on a-count charge of office conspiracy, robbery, armed robbery and attempted murder.
The charge reads that, Adu Ariyo is reasonably suspected to have committed the offences of conspiracy, robbery, armed robbery and attempted murder against Akinbami Marian, Apadaba Fehintola and Akinwumi Mary in Ado-Ekiti, between 24th October and 7th November, 2023, respectively.
In her statement to the Police, one of the victims Akinbami Marian said, “I am a trader, I closed for the day’s work and was going home alongside my two kids, I noticed a bike man coming towards us, when he got to us, before I could say anything, he held my bag and brought out a cutlass from under his motorcycle, he did not put off the motorcycle ignition, when we was dragging the bag, I was shouting, he cut the bag’s handle with the cutlass and drove off.
“The bag contained the sum of N250,000, a bunch of keys, First bank and Monie Point ATM, among others.
“I recognised his face with the aid of a torch light in my hand.
“After three days, I heard that a thief has been arrested, when I came out to check, it was the same man, he was identified by two other victims”.
The Police prosecutor, ASP Caleb Leramo told the court that the defendant was a serial robber, who has been terrorizing residents of Olokemeji area of Ado Ekiti, and robbed them in the same manner.
He added that the duplicate case file has been sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.
He prayed the court to grant the order remanding the defendant at the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Ado-Ekiti, pending issuance of legal advice.
In his ruling, Magistrate Saka Afunso granted the order, that the defendant be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Ado-Ekiti pending the issuance of Legal Advice by the Director Of Public Prosecution.
The case has been adjournd till 23rd of January, 2024 for mention.
