Ibadan Explosion: Court Remand Three Suspects, Adjourns Case

Legal proceedings against those suspected to be involved in the January 16, 2024 explosion at Bodija in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has commenced as a Federal High Court in Ibadan has ordered that a woman and two men be remanded in prison for their suspected roles in the incident.

After hearing the three accused persons’ pleas, the sitting judge, Justice Ekerete Akpan of Federal High Court 2, Ibadan, ordered that they be remanded in Agodi Correctional Centre.

The individuals have pleaded not guilty to the allegations levelled against them. The police charged Ramatu Camara, 47; Ganiu Malik, 20; and Abubakar Samasa, 64, with conspiracy, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, radioactive material hoarding, and biological weapon distribution.

Michael Ojeah, the police prosecutor, informed the court that Camara, Malik, and Samasa faced five counts.

According to Ojeah, the defendants and those at large committed the crime at 7.30 p.m. on January 16 on Aderinola Street, off Dejo-Oyelese Street, Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija Ibadan, Oyo State.

The prosecution claimed that the accused stored radioactive chemicals inside a structure, which detonated, killing a 65-year-old lady named Bolanle Badmus and 13 others.

He subsequently informed the court that he was ready to deliver his case. However, the defence attorney, Adeola Adebayo, requested a brief adjournment in order to file several applications.

According to the prosecution, the offence violated sections 26, 42 (A) and (B), 43(1) (A) and (2) (C), 1 (A), and 58 (1) (A) of the Terrorism, Prohibition, and Prevention Act 2022.

Justice Akpan then adjourned the case until April 11 for a hearing on the bail applications.