Four dismissed officers of the Special Anti Robbery Squad were, yesterday, arraigned before an Ikeja High Court on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and abuse of office by a public officer.
The former SARS officers, Sgt. Adeoye Adekunle, Sgt. Adeniran Adebowale, Sgt. Agbi Lucky and Sgt. Odighe Hehosa, were dismissed after a petition against them by one Mr. Chukwudi Odionye, popularly referred to as ‘Bishop.’
Bishop had alleged that sometimes in June 4, 2017, he was in his house around Alagbado area of Lagos state, when four armed men stormed his house to effect his arrest on the allegation of performing ‘FAKE’ miracles.
He stated that after his arrest, he was taken to one hotel at Agege, where he was detained and threatened to be killed, if he fails to cooperate.
The petitioner further explained further that the following day, June 5, 2017, he was taken to the bank where he was made to transfer N7 million to the account of one of the operatives.
The four policemen were however dismissed after a police orderly room trial and subsequently charged before a Magistrate court for armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawful detention, and intimidation, as well as threatening violence.
But at the State High Court, the four officers were charged for conspiracy, corruption by a public officer and abuse of office by a public officer.
The four defendants had, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel to the former SARS officer, A.O Aguegebobo, informed the court of a bail application he had filed before the court on behalf of his clients.
According to Aguegebobo, the defendants offence is a bailable offence. He also added that investigation on the matter had been concluded by the police.
The counsel also informed the court that the defendants have been in prison custody since the 18th of July 2018.
The prosecuting counsel, Adeola Odumabo, however, did not oppose to the bail application.
Ruling on the defendant’s bail application, the Presiding Judge, Justice Hakeem Oshodi admitted the defendants to bail in the sum N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
“The defendants are hereby admitted to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties.
“One of the sureties must be a blood relation while the other must be a police officer not less than an Inspector. The defendants are to be remanded in prisons custody pending the perfection of their bail,” the Judge ruled.
The matter was thereafter adjourned till October 15, 2019 for trial.
