A Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Thursday remanded two boys at the Special Correctional Centre for Boys, Oregun, and the Ikoyi Custodial Centre, respectively over the alleged murder of a cleric.
Farouk Mohammed, 16, and Kasali Jamiu, 19, are accused of killing a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor, Babatunde Dada.
The boys were first charged on January 12, 2022, before a Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court alongside two others, Mumuni Toheeb, 21, and Mubarak Soliu, 20, for allegedly receiving a Spark S Tecno phone valued at N60,000, property of the deceased.
On February 14, when the case came up, Chief Magistrate Olatunbosun Adeola said a prima facie case had been established against Mohammed and Jamiu.
She ordered that the two teenagers should face trial at the High Court following the legal advice from the DPP.
Adeola, however, discharged Toheeb and Soliu based on the recommendation of the DPP.
When the matter came up on Thursday, the director of public prosecutions, Babajide Martins, informed the court that the matter was for arraignment.
Oyekanmi Isijola announced appearance for the first defendant, while I. G. Ofoyeju appeared for the second defendant.
The defendants were arraigned on four counts bordering on conspiracy to murder, murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and armed robbery.
Martins told the court that the defendants conspired among themselves and allegedly killed the 46-year-old RCCG pastor on December 2, 2021, around 12noon, in the RCCG, Road 13, 6th Avenue, FESTAC area of Lagos.
He said they killed the clergyman by hitting him on the head with a wooden plank and a bottle.
The prosecutor also told the court that the duo robbed the deceased of his bag and a mobile phone.
Following their arraignment, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In view of their pleas, Justice Sherifat Sonaike ordered their remand in custody and adjourned the case till November 29 for trial.
