LASG to Arraign Kidnappers of Lagos Monarch 

Gboyega Akinsanmi
The Lagos State Government yesterday said it would soon arraign four suspects arrested in connection to the abduction of Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, made the disclosure in a statement he issued yesterday, assuring the residents of the state that no criminal would go unpunished.

As contained in the statement, Kazeem said the state government had concluded plan “to charge the suspected kidnappers of the monarch to court for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, murder and armed robbery.

He said the four suspects – Duba Furejo, Ododomo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh would be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant laws applicable to the alleged crimes committed.

Already, the attorney-general said his office had issued legal advice for the prosecution of the suspected kidnappers, noting that the suspects “will be charged for offences of conspiracy for kidnapping, kidnapping, and two counts charge of murder and armed robbery.”

Kazeem said the charge would be filed expeditiously at a Lagos High Court “to ensure prompt prosecution of the suspects,” thereby restating the commitment of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration “to prompt justice administration.

“As part of its commitment to make the State a safe place to live and do business, will continue to support  law enforcement agencies in the investigation and apprehension of all criminals, especially those involved in heinous crime of kidnapping, armed robbery and murder.

“The Ambode administration is committed to ensure that Lagos State becomes a no-go area for criminals who target innocent citizens for kidnapping and collection of ransom. My office will continually give the necessary support to the police in apprehension, investigation and prosecution of criminals in Lagos State.”

He urged residents “to promptly provide information that could lead to the arrest of criminals. The state government would continue to work assiduously to ensure that criminals are brought to justice.”

He also said that the state government “is desirous to prosecute to logical conclusion and promptly all criminal cases as well as ensure that suspects are brought to justice swiftly.

“During the unfortunate and dastardly crime, the security guard in the palace and a commercial bike rider were killed, while the monarch was whisked away and kept in captivity for about three weeks.
“The sustained pressure and intelligence gathering from law enforcement agencies, however, led to the rescue of the monarch, while the four suspects were apprehended in the process.”