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From Bola Ogunlayi, Ibadan
A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, has ordered the remand of a woman and two men for their alleged involvement in the January 16 Bodija,Ibadan explosion.
The explosion killed five persons, injured 78 and damaged over 300 buildings.
Residents affected by the unfortunate incident have been displaced and calling for justice every day.
The arraigned persons are Ramatu Camara, 47, Ganiu Malik, 20, and Abubakar Samasa 64. According to the prosecution, they were charged with conspiracy, use or proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, stockpiling of radioactive materials, and dispersal of biological weapons.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
After reading their charge to them, Justice E.U. Akpan ordered that they be remanded in the Agodi,Ibadan Correctional Centre.
Hearing of their bail applications have been adjourned until April 11,2024.
The police prosecution, Michael Ojeah, told the court that Camara, Malik, and Samasa were facing a five-count charge, alleging that they and others, at large, “committed the crime at about 7.30 p.m. on January 16, at Aderinola off Dejo-Oyelese Street, Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija Ibadan, Oyo state”.
He said the defendants stored radioactive materials inside a building that exploded and led to the death of a 65-year-old woman known as Bolanle Badmus and others.
However, the defence counsel, Mr Adeola Adebayo, prayed to the court for a short adjournment to file some applications.
According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened the provisions of sections 26, 42 (A) and (B), 43(1) (A) and (2) (C) 1 (A) 58 (1) (A) of the Terrorism, Prohibition and Prevention Act 2022.
The end.
