A Lagos State Magistrate’s Court sitting at Ebute-Meta has ordered the remand of two men, Adedoyin Oyekanmi, 23; and Erinmole Adetokunbo, 26; for allegedly beheading a seven-year-old boy, Kazeem Rabiu.
The magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Fowowe-Erusiafe, said the two defendants should be remanded in custody pending the release of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
THE PUNCH reports that Oyekanmi and Adetokunbo, a pastor, had allegedly lured the boy from his parents’ house on Sotunyo Street to the church’s premises on Oke-Oniburokun Street, Odokekere, Ikorodu.
They were said to have beheaded him and buried the head around the church’s altar, while the body was dumped in a canal.
Adetokunbo was later apprehended by residents.
He was said to have confessed to the crime, naming Oyekanmi as his accomplice.
The apprehended duo reportedly led detectives to the church, where the victim’s remains were recovered, with an angry mob consequently destroying the church and asking for jungle justice.
The suspects were later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba before being arraigned on Thursday on three counts of murder.
The police prosecutor, Sergeant Maria Dauda, said the offences were punishable under sections 233, 223 and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.
The defendants’ pleas were not taken, just as they were not represented by any counsel.
The prosecutor filed an application for their remand in prison, citing Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.
The magistrate remanded them in prison and adjourned the case till July 24, 2017.