Ibadan, Oct. 4, 2024 (TheGavel) – In a significant legal development, two individuals, Lekan Abiola and Timileyin Olaniyan, both aged 28 and reportedly without fixed addresses, were arraigned on Friday in the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly impersonating officers of the Nigerian Navy.
The duo faces serious charges of conspiracy and unlawful impersonation of military personnel. During the court proceedings, both Abiola and Olaniyan entered a plea of not guilty to the charges against them.
The prosecution, led by ASP Anthony Igori, detailed the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences. According to Igori, the defendants were apprehended on September 21, at approximately noon, at the World Best Hotel located in the Muslim area of Ibadan. During the arrest, the suspects were reportedly found wearing military camouflage trousers and in possession of Nigerian Navy identification cards, raising suspicions about their true identities.
In addition to the ID cards, the prosecutor disclosed that the defendants were found with an arsenal of weapons, including live AK-47 ammunition, an electric pistol, knives, and other dangerous implements. These findings suggest an intent to commit a felony, as outlined in the charges against them.
Igori noted that their actions contravened Sections 109 and 430 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000, which deal with conspiracy and unlawful impersonation, respectively.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. Olaolu Olanipekun, considered the case and granted both defendants bail set at N200,000 each. Additionally, they were required to provide one surety each in like sum. The case has been adjourned to December 4 for further hearings, as the legal proceedings continue to unfold. (NAN)
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