A Federal High Court of Justice sitting in Ibadan has remanded three people in prison over an explosion that rocked old Bodija Estate in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on January 26, 2024.
The suspects, a woman and two men were remanded for their suspected roles in the incident.
The presiding judge, Ekerete Akpan of Court 2, Ibadan, ordered that the three accused persons be remanded in Agodi correctional centre after hearing their pleas.
The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. 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, stockpiling of radioactive materials and dispersal of biological weapons.
The police prosecutor, Michael Ojeah, told the court that Camara, Malik and Samasa were facing five counts.
Ojeah added that the defendants and others at large committed the crime at about 7.30 p.m on January 16, on Aderinola street, off 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 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 offence 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.
Justice Akpan thereafter adjourned the case till April 11 for hearing on their bail applications.
