A man identified as David Abiodun has pleaded guilty to kidnapping a 17-year-old University of Ibadan student, Divine Ayeni, before a Federal High Court in Ibadan on Monday.
Abiodun admitted guilt to the two-count charge of kidnapping brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS). Following his plea, Justice Nkeonye Maha ordered the defendant to be remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre until September 23, when the court will hear the presentation of facts and deliver judgment.
According to DSS counsel, Mr. T.A. Nurudeen, the defendant committed the offense between May 19 and June 5, 2024, in Ibadan. Nurudeen told the court that Abiodun illegally abducted the victim, depriving her of her liberty.
The prosecution further stated that the offenses contravened sections 24A and 30A of the Terrorism and Prohibition and Prevention Act 2022, highlighting the serious nature of the crime under Nigerian law.
This case comes amid growing concerns about the safety of university students in Nigeria, particularly regarding kidnapping incidents that have affected educational institutions across the country in recent years.
The court's decision to remand the defendant until September reflects the judiciary's approach to handling such serious offenses while ensuring due process is followed before final sentencing.
Stay updated on this developing story and more by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
