Court remands man for alleged ‘imprisonment’ of 105-year-old cleric

An Akure Magistrates’ Court on Friday ordered the remand of one  Robert Ogwuruba, 55, in prison custody for the alleged `imprisonment’ of 105-year-old Rev. Michael Owoyemi.
The prosecutor, Inspector Martins Olowofeso, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 29, 2016 at 7 a.m. in Iyere, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“He unlawfully imprisoned one Rev. Michael Owoyemi, aged 105, by taking him somewhere in Ibadan, Oyo State against his will,”  Olowofeso said.
He further said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 364 of the Criminal Code Cap. 37, Vol. I, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the one count charge.
The prosecutor asked for a short adjournment to enable him assembles his four witnesses.
Counsel to the accused, B.N. Okeke, applied for bail of his client in liberal terms, and assured of credible sureties if granted.
The Magistrate, Mrs Victoria Bob-Manuel, ordered that the case file  be sent to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
“Court suspects that there is more than meets the eye in this case, it is hereby ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody, pending the receipt of advice from DPP,” Bob-Manuel said.
She adjourned the case till February 28 for legal advice.