An Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State remanded nine individuals on Friday for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of six girls for ritual purposes.
The police accused the defendants, whose addresses were not disclosed, of charges including kidnapping, murder, robbery, and conspiracy.
The defendants are identified as Moses Aruwaji, 45; Adebayo Azeez, 32; Mariam Aruwaji, 42; Akinwunmi, 20; and Sheriff Agbani, 23. Others include Samuel Monday, 42; Osojieahon Aijonohouria, 24; Peter Oluwalolese, 48; and Jamiu Yufuf, 48.
The prosecutor, CSP Adaramola Felix, informed the court that the defendants, along with others still at large, committed the offenses between September 28, 2023, and January 11.
Mr Felix said the defendants conspired among themselves to kidnap and kill the victims — Sulaimon Adijat, Lucy Blessing, Lawal Adunni, Olarewaju Abosede, Ezeh Chom and one Pretty — for ritual purposes.
He said they also robbed Ms Adijat of her cellphone, valued at N70,000.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 23(2), 24(2), 319(2) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The chief magistrate, D. O. Ilo, said the defendants should be remanded in the Ibara Correctional Centre, pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The magistrate did not take the pleas of the defendants.
She adjourned the case until May 8 for further hearing.
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