An Ogun state magistrate court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, has arraigned a man, his daughter and two grandchildren for allegedly impersonating terrorists and threatening a woman in a bid to extort money.
The defendants, identified as Fagbenro Olaewe, 40, his daughter, Elegbede Nofisat, 19, and two minors aged 10 and 12, were brought before the court on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, threatening violence and demanding money under false pretences.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on June 12 in the Olorunda area of Abeokuta North Local Government Area.
The minors allegedly used their grandfather’s mobile phone to contact Esther Lawal, introducing themselves as bandits and threatening her while demanding money.
ASP Lawrence Olu-Balogun, prosecuting counsel told the court that the callers allegedly threatened to kill the complainant and members of her family if their demands were not met.
He said the victim promptly reported the incident to the police, who tracked the telephone number used in making the threats and subsequently arrested the defendants.
The prosecutor maintained that the offences contravened relevant provisions of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State.
When the charges were read, all four defendants pleaded not guilty.
Chief Magistrate A.K. Araba granted each defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum.
The court ordered that Olaewe and Nofisat be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre, while the two minors were remanded at the Juvenile Home in Asero pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned until June 30 for further hearing.
