Woman, two men remanded over Ibadan explosion

A Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State on Wednesday ordered that three persons be remanded over their alleged roles in the January 16 Bodija explosion.

At least five persons died, 77 injured and several properties were destroyed in the blast.

The police charged a woman, Ramatu Camara, 47; Ganiu Malik, 20, and Abubakar Samasa 64, with conspiracy, use of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, stock piling of radio active materials and dispersal of biological weapons.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice E. U. Akpan ordered that they should be remanded in the Agodi correctional centre.

Akpan adjourned the suit until April 11 for hearing in their bail applications.

Earlier, the police prosecution, Michael Ojeah had told the court that Camara, Malik and Samasa were facing a five-count charge.

Ojeah further added that the defendants and others, at large committed the crime at about 7.30 pm on January 16 at Aderinola of Dejo-Oyelese Street, Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija Ibadan, Oyo State.

The prosecution said the defendants stored radio active materials inside a building which exploded and led to the death of a 65 year-old woman known as Bolanle Badmus and 13 others.

He subsequently informed the court that he was prepared to present his case.

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

According to the prosecutor, the alleged offences contravened 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.