Court Remands Woman, Two Other In Prison Over Ibadan Explosion

By Akeem Oduyoye

Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, presided over by Justice E.U. Akpan, on Wednesday, 6 March, 2024, ordered the remand of  a woman and two men in connection with  the January 16 Bodija explosion in Ibadan, the state capital.

The police charged Ramatu Camara, 47, Ganiu Malik, 20, and Abubakar Samasa, 64, with conspiracy, use of weapons of mass destruction, stockpiling of radioactive materials, and dispersal of biological weapons.

 The trio pleaded not guilty to the charge leveled against them..

Justice  Akpan ordered that they be remanded in the Agodi correctional centre, and adjourned the suit until April 11 for a hearing on their bail applications.

The police prosecutor, Michael Ojeah, had informed the court that Camara, Malik, and Samasa were facing a five-count charge.

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

Healleged that the defendants stored radioactive materials inside a building, which exploded and led to the deaths of a 65-year-old woman known as Bolanle Badmus and 13 others.

The prosecution also told court that he was prepared to present his case.

However, the defense counsel, Mr Adeola Adebayo, prayed the court for a short adjournment in order to file some applications.

The prosecutor said the offense violated the provisions of sections 26, 42 (A) and (B), 43(1) (A), and (2) (C) 1 (A) 58 (1) (A) of the Terrorism, Prohibition, and Prevention Act 2022.