TWO persons apprehended by security operatives at a campaign rally in Akure on Wednesday were yesterday arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court on charges of illegal possession of firearms, terrorism and armed robbery.
The duo, in their 30s, Olanrewaju Kazeem and Akintemi Kolawole, who were arrested at the public declaration of gubernatorial intent in Ondo State of former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), were however, remanded in prison custody by the magistrate pending the legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
In suit number MAK/238c/2012, the accused persons were arraigned on a five-count charge of illegal possession of firearms, terrorism and armed robbery.
The charges by the prosecutor, who is a senior legal officer, Mr. Ade Akinsulure, read thus: “That you, Olanrewaju Kazeem and Akintemi Kolawole, on or about April 11, 2012, at about 2.30 p.m., at the campaign rally ground of Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) around Champion Junction, Oyemekun Road, Akure, within the Akure Magisterial District, did unlawfully possess one double-barrel JOJEFF-MAGNUM Rifle and 13 rounds of cartridges contrary to and punishable under Section 3 (1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004;
• “That you, Olanrewaju Kazeem and Akintemi Kolawole, on or about the April 11, 2012, at about 2.30 p.m. at the campaign rally ground of Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) around Champion Junction, Oyemekun Road, Akure within the Akure Magisterial District, did unlawfully arm yourselves with gun with interest to seriously intimidate the citizens of Akure contrary to Section 1 (1) and punishable under Section 4 (1) (c) of the Terrorism Act, 2011;
• “That you, Olanrewaju Kazeem and Akintemi Kolawole, on or about April 11, 2012, at about 2.30 p.m. at the campaign rally ground of Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), around Champion Junction, Oyemekun Road, Akure within the Akure Magisterial District while armed with guns, did rob one Joseph Legbeka of a Blackberry Phone Bold V worth N60,000 contrary to and punishable under Section 3 (1) of the Robbery and Firearms Act (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
After the charges were read to the accused persons, Akinsulure told the court that “in view of the charge brought under Robbery and Firearms Act, we apply under Sec. 305 of Civil Procedure Law for the remand of the accused
persons in prison pending the time a legal review would be issued by the DPP.
The case took a dramatic turn when the defence counsel, Mr. Idowu Mafimisebi, who initially applied for bail, made a-turn and told the court that “we wish to withdraw the application for bail. It will be a dissipation of energy making the application in view of the charges before the court. We have considered the powers of this court and shall apply appropriately”.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Akintoye said pending the issuance of a legal review from the office of the DPP, the accused persons are to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to May 28, 2012, for mention.
