Labourers, welder remanded for robbery

Two labourers and a welder accused of armed robbery by the police have been remanded in prison by an FCT High Court sitting in Maitama.

Kudu Salisu, 44, and Andrew Ochai Onazi, 26, both labourers, and 22-year-old Godwin Ituaeon were arraigned before Justice Mariam Anenih on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and armed robbery.

They were alleged to have on or about September 5, 2017, at about 2am, conspired with others now at large to commit armed robbery at Anchor Supermarket, opposite CBN Quarters, Karu, Abuja, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 6 of the Robbery and Fire Arms (Special Provisions) Act 2004.

They were also alleged to have robbed one Mr. Michael Ezeala and one other at gunpoint on the said date and place and carted away two Techno phones; three Plasma televisions; a CCTV recorder; clothes; shoes; caps and N890,000.

This, the prosecutor said, was an offence punishable under Section 1(2) of the Robbery and Fire Arms (Special Provisions) Act 2004.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Anenih, however, rejected the bail application filed on their behalf holding that there were no sufficient grounds stated in the application to enable the court exercise its discretion in granting them bail.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 5, for hearing.