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By NGOZI NJOKU

Two suspected kidnappers, Umar Lawal and Hassan Jubril have been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates Court for allegedly abducting a businessman (name withheld) for ransom.

Lawal, 46, and Jubril, 35, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a two-count charge of kidnapping and receiving ransom.

The Magistrate, Mr Lateef Owolabi, who did not take their plea, granted them bail in the sum of N500,000 with two reliable sureties with tax and verification.

He also Included a bail information management system as part of it and adjourned the case until Sept. 17, for the commencement of trial.

The prosecuting counsel SP. Josephine Ikhayere had told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the crime on May 28, at Ejigbo area in Lagos.

Ikhayere alleged that Lawal and Jubril participated in an act of terrorism, subjecting innocent Nigerians to harrowing experiences and trauma.

She said they unlawfully provided an Access bank account number with account name ‘Umar Lawal’ to receive the sum of N9.4million.

“The money was received from the victim through an electronic transfer, being money paid as ransom while he was unlawfully captured and detained in their stronghold before he was released,” she said.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened the provisions of sections 2(i)(ii) and 3 of the Kidnapping Prohibition Law of Lagos State, 2017. (NAN)

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