The Ondo State Police Command on Monday arraigned Chibuzor Elike, the self-proclaimed kidnapper of one-year-old Kolawole Gold who went missing at the Sotitobire Miracle Centre, Akure, last year.
Elike allegedly threatened the wife of Sotitobire’s Founder, Bisola Alfa, through a text message, claiming the boy was with him and demanded N800,000 ransom for his release.
The 36-year-old suspect was said to have committed the offence on December 14th, 2019 at about 11:30pm off Oda Road, Akure, when he vowed to kill the boy if the ransom was not paid.
The three counts against him contravene sections 509, 406 and 407 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol 1 Laws of Ondo State 2006.
The Prosecuting Police Officer, Adeoye Adesegun, told the court that he had five witnesses. He prayed the court to remand the accused and adjourn the case to enable him study the case file.
The defense counsel, Isaac Adubazi, however urged the court to grant the defendant bail, promising a credible and reliable surety.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mayomi Olanipekun, ordered that the defendant be remanded at Olokuta Correctional Service pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
The case was adjourned till February 20, 2020.