The police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned two men before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court over alleged armed robbery.

The defendants, Moses Adeodu, 34, and Wasiu Owolabi, 47, are standing trial on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, threat to life, belonging to an unlawful society, and obstruction of police officers on duty.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendants conspired with others now at large to commit the offences on September 27 at about 7:30 p.m. in Karaole Estate, Ogba, Lagos. 

Ms Ikhayere alleged that the first defendant (Mr Adeodu) attacked one Seun Banjo with a battle axe and broken bottles and robbed him of his iPhone 13, valued at ₦470,000.

She alleged that the first defendant also sent life-threatening WhatsApp messages to the complainant, warning him of imminent attack and death.

Meanwhile, the prosecution alleged that the second defendant (Mr Owolabi) obstructed police officers attached to the Quick Response Team in Area G by locking them out of the estate’s gate while they were performing their lawful duties.

According to the prosecutor, the defendants also allegedly belonged to a proscribed group known as Aiye confraternity.

The offences contravene sections 117, 232, 297, 299, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

It also contravenes section 2(3)(a–d) of the Unlawful Societies and Cultism (Prohibition) Law of Lagos State, 2021.

The magistrate, Lateef Owolabi, granted the defendants N600,000 bail each, with two reliable sureties in like sum.

The court held that the sureties must be gainfully employed.

The case will be mentioned on December 1.

(NAN)