Mr. Bashiru Adekile, one of the four people kidnapped in Ondo State last month, has reportedly died.
While travelling from Akure, the state capital, to Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko North East Local Government Area of the state, Adekile was abducted alongside the traditional head of the Iku quarters and two others.
Adekile died on Thursday, two weeks after being freed from the kidnapper’s den, according to family sources.
He and the other victims were held captive for three days in the forest before being freed after the criminals were paid a ransom of N4m.
Due to an inside injury he sustained, late Adekile, who was purportedly tortured by his kidnappers in the forest, had been hospitalized since their release.
The suspects who allegedly kidnapped late Adekile and the other victims had been remanded by an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The suspected kidnappers are Mohammed Moshere, 25, Llyasu Lawal, 27, Mohammadu Abubakar Siddi, 26, Garba Bature, 36, and Abubakar Dengy, 20.
They were charged with illegal firearm possession, armed robbery and kidnapping.
Inspector Adeoye Adesegun, the police prosecutor, informed the court that the defendants shot Adejoro Muda, the driver who was transporting the victims, on the head.
Adesegun also told the court that the suspects stole a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 worth N143,000 and an Itel Android phone worth N47,000, together with N36,000 in cash from the victims.
According to the prosecutor, the crimes violate and are punishable under Section 6, (A&B)1,2,3(1)(b),3 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap. 147, Vol. 4, Laws of Ondo State Nigeria, 2006.
The suspects were ordered to be remanded at Olokuta Correctional Center pending legal counsel from the DPP, according to the presiding Magistrate, Mayomi Olanipekun.
For legal counsel, the Magistrate adjourned the case to November 29.