Ondo court remands man over alleged links to kidnappers

By Boye Oyeyemi

An Akure Magistrate’s Court has remanded a middle-aged man, Afolabi Emmanuel, at the Olokuta Correctional Centre over allegations that he assisted kidnappers operating in parts of Ondo State.

The defendant was arraigned by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, on a one-count charge bordering on alleged collaboration with kidnapping suspects.

According to the prosecutor, P.O. Nwafor, the alleged offence was committed on April 25, 2026, at about midnight on Igboroko Street in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

Nwafor told the court that Emmanuel allegedly rendered support to kidnappers, an act said to be contrary to Section 7(c) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 37, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

Upon hearing the charge, Emmanuel pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

Subsequently, the Counsel to the defendant, G.O. Bernard, applied for bail, urging the court to grant his client liberal conditions. He assured the court that Emmanuel would not jump bail and was prepared to provide reliable sureties.

In his ruling, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. The court further directed that the sureties must reside within its jurisdiction and have their addresses verified by court officials.

However, Emmanuel was remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre after failing to meet the bail conditions. The case was adjourned until July 6, 2026, for further hearing.