The police command in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned seven people for alleged kidnapping and demanding N2 million ransom.

The defendants are Cynthia Okere, 14; Blessing Amutie, 22; Caleb Amutie, 13; Joshua Amutie, 13; Uche Amutie, 25; Mustapha Asimiyu, 24; and Gafar Tijani, 24.

They are facing three charges of felony, kidnapping and demanding ransom at the Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The prosecutor, Ayodele Adeosun, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on March 6 at about 12:50 p.m. in Iyana-Era, Ijanikin,

Mr Adeosun said that the defendants allegedly conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit kidnapping and demanding N2 million ransom.

“The defendants kidnapped one Cynthia Okere from Iyana-Era, Ijanikin, Lagos and moved her to Mowe, Ogun. The defendants also demanded N2 million ransom for the release of the kidnapped girl from one Moses Okere, the father,” said the police officer.

The prosecutor said that the defendants planned with Ms Okere to use the kidnapping ploy to collect money from her father.

Mr Adeosun said that the offences contravened sections 411, 172 (1) (2) and 172 (3) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015.

The chief magistrate, Patrick Adekomaiya, granted the defendants bail of N500,000 each with two sureties in like sum.

He said that the first, third, and fourth defendants who are less than 18 years of age should be taken to Oregun Juvenile Corrective Home, Lagos, or a similar place for custody.

The magistrate adjourned the case until May 5 for mention.

(NAN)