Ibadan explosion: Three sentenced to prison

Court has ordered the remand of a woman and two men for their roles in the January 16 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.

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, but they pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice E.U. 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.

Ojeah further added that 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.

The prosecution said 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.

He subsequently informed the 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.