Attack on Buhari’s Wife: Court Orders Two Persons to be Remanded in Prison

An Ilorin Magistrate’s Court has ordered that Sulaiman Lawal, 27, and Lukuman Isiaka, 20, be remanded in prison custody for allegedly attacking the convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate’s wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, during her recent visit to Kwara State.

During the attack, about 10 vehicles on the convoy were vandalised by the suspects along Emir Road, Ilorin last Monday.

Hajia Buhari and her entourage were in Ilorin to sensitise the members of women wing of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state on the need to vote for the party.

Lawal, who resides at No. 25, Ori-Okoh area of Ilorin and Isiaka of Eleran compound, Akalambi area, were arraigned on a-five count charge of criminal conspiracy, mischief, belonging to gang of thieves, extortion, assault and disturbance of public peace contrary to sections 97, 327, 306, 292 and 113 of the penal code law.

The Police First Information Report (FIR) dated March 18, said the suspects attempted to extort money from Mrs. Buhari who was accompanied by the wife of the APC vice-presidential candidate, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and wife of the Kwara State governor, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed, while they were on their way from the palace of the Emir of Ilorin after paying homage to the royal father.

According to the report, the suspects and others at large, “criminally conspired in an attempt to extort money from them and in the process they smashed the side mirror of a car in the convoy and for a while caused pandemonium in the area.

“Investigation at ‘C’ division police state later revealed that the two of you are a group of social miscreants who used to extort money from passers-by at Ile-film junction, Ilorin,” the FIR said.

The police prosecutor, Godwin Azua, opposed to the bail of the accused on what he called rampant nature of the charges preferred against them, arguing that if admitted to bail, they would tamper with the ongoing investigation of the police.

However, defence counsel, Taofik Olateju, urged the court to grant accused bail, arguing that they were presumed innocent until competent court proves otherwise.

In his ruling, Magistrate Jubril Salihu, ordered that the accused be remanded at Oke-Kura prison custody, Ilorin and adjourned the matter till April 2, for mention.

Attack on Buhari’s Wife: Court Orders Two Persons to be Remanded in Prison