By Kayode Adeoti
A former commissioner for education in Kwara State, Alhaja Alimat Yusuf and two others, were on Friday dragged to court for raising false alarm which resulted into a middle-aged man,
Abdulazeez Shamsudeen been beaten to stupor by a mob.
Alhaja Yusuf, Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi, and Suleiman Yusuf of no 16 Oke-Suna area, Ilorin, were accused of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt, mischief, giving false information and theft contrary to sections 97,248,327,178 & 287 of the Penal Code Law.
The Police First Information Report (FIR) revealed that the victim (Shamsudeen) was driving in his Ford Focus car with registration number; Lagos EKY-71DR along Maraba-Ipata road when the accused persons’ jeep hit his car from the rear.
It was also noted that the Shamsudeen did not take the bashing of his car offensive after he stopped and ascertained that occupants of the jeep were elderly persons. He was said to have subsequently continued his journey.
“The occupants of the jeep pursued him (Shamsudeen) and raised an alarm, shouting; ‘Thief, thief, thief and as a result of the alarm, Okada riders (commercial motorcyclists) and community members started chasing him…,” the police report stated.
According to FIR, the victim was apprehended at Ita-Amadu area of Ilorin, by the mob, who descended on him, beaten him with different dangerous weapons till he sustained deep cut in his right ear and all over his body before he became unconscious.
“They destroyed his car and all the items kept inside it including his Infinix android phone valued at N39,000 and a cash sum of N7,500 were carted away…
“Investigation revealed that you, Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi, Alhaja Alimat Yusuf and Suleiman Yusuf and others at large were the persons that raised false alarm…” FIR disclosed.
In a petition earlier forwarded to the Commissioner of Police by Armstrong Attorneys, the legal firm sought the transfer of the case to the police headquarters for discreet investigation.
The petition which was dated 10th August, 2018 and signed by Hammed O.A Esq. also stated that the accused persons later confirmed that their client (Shamsudeen) was not a thief but only been taught a lesson.
The state prosecutor, James Odaodu however informed the court that the accused persons should be remanded pending the time police investigation is completed over the matter.
In his submission, the accused persons’ counsel, Lanre Abdul the court to discountenance the prayer of the prosecutor.
Magistrate Nurudeen Adeyanaju however granted the trio bail in the sum of N200,000 each with two sureties in the like sum while the matter was adjourned to Thursday 16th August, 2018.
