By Deborah Akpede
Ikeja, Feb. 21, 2019 A 23-year-old Rasheed Olanrewaju, who allegedly robbed and caught in possession of two toy guns, was on Thursday remanded at the Kirikiri Prisons by an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
When the case was called for mention, the Magistrate, Mr Akeem Fashola, refused to take the defendant’s plea.
Fashola ordered that Olarenwaju should be kept behind the bars, pending the receipt of legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The defendant, who resides at Idimu area of Lagos, is being tried for unlawful possession of toy guns and robbery.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Michael Unah, said that the defendant committed the offences on Jan. 25 at Ikeja.
Unah said that the defendant and others, yet to be apprehended, had in their possession toy guns and other offensive weapons, and robbed Mrs Fehintola Komina of N2,000.
“The defendant and others entered into the complainant’s shop and asked for the price of typesetting and photocopy, under the guise of typing a document.
“When the complainant stood up to attend to them, they brought out the toy guns and other weapons.
“They pointed the toy guns at her stomach, demanding for the money in her safe, while threatening to shoot if she refused to comply.
“In the process, they snatched the N2,000 found on her.
“The complainant thereafter raised alarm which attracted the neighbours and passersby.
“The defendant and his accomplices took to their heels, while they were given a hot chase,” the prosecutor said.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant was later arrested, while others escaped.
“Two toy guns were recovered from the defendant,” he said.
Unah said that the offences violated Sections 296 and 297 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Section 296 attracts 21 years’ imprisonment for robbery.
Section 297 prescribes 21 years for arming self with firearms or any offensive weapon.
The case was adjourned until March 27 for mention.
DOA/FLP/GOK
