A magistrate court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo state, has remanded nine associates of Mukaila Lamidi, sacked chairman of the state park management system (PMS).
On Friday, the nine suspects were arraigned on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms.
The suspects are Olaniyi Abiodun, Kamoru Yusuf, Odunayo Ismaila, Kolawole Joshua, Oladosu Kunle, Fatai Abidemi, Oluwole Akanbi, Sarafadeen Adewale and Tirimisiyu Odunayo.
They were accused of attacking, maiming and dispossessing people of their valuables running into millions of naira in Ibadan.
Speaking during the trial, J. D. Olaniyan, counsel to the defendants, said the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case owing to the charges levelled against the suspects.
Olaniyan prayed the court to remand the suspects at Agodi correctional centre pending the time the case will be assigned to a competent court of law.
In his ruling, S.H. Adebisi, the magistrate, said the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case owing to the charges against the defendants.
He ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison and subsequently adjourned the case till July 26.
THE ARREST
On May 30, operatives of the Oyo police command raided a hotel belonging to Lamidi popularly known as Auxiliary and recovered arms, ammunition, cash, and charms.
He was said to have escaped during the raid which led to the arrest of 78 other suspects said to be loyal to him.
Some days later, the police declared Lamidi wanted.