An Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered that a Methodist priest, Peter Adewuyi, accused of faking his own kidnap to obtain ransom be remanded in prison custody.
The 31-year-old priest reportedly booked a hotel room in Ado-Ekiti, and hid from public view from where he and his accomplice, Sunday Adewole, made calls to the members of the public to pay ransom for his release.
Mr Adewole was said to have made a demand of N3 million as ransom.
Magistrate Omolola Akosile on Monday also remanded Ajewole pending their next appearance in court.
They were arrested on June 11 and charge for aiding, arranging and abetting kidnapping.
The Methodist priest had claimed that he was kidnapped between Ijebu Jesa and Aramoko while on a journey.
During court sitting on Monday, police prosecutor, Monica Ikebuilo, said the offences committed by the priest and his accomplice were contrary to, and punishable under Sections 5 and 7 of Ekiti State Kidnap and Terrorism (Prohibition) Law 2015.
The magistrate ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody pending the issuance of legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The case was adjourned until July 24.
