An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos on Thursday fixed November 29, for the trial of two men and a woman accused by the police of stealing a three-year old girl, Success Chidinma in 2015.
First, second and third defendants, Emmanuel Okwara, 39, a woman, Mary Omotunmise, 47 and Fabian Obi, 40, were arraigned last March 31, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, child stealing and unlawful deprivation of liberty.
The police alleged that they committed the offences on December 22, 2015 at around 2pm at No. 2, Adebumoye Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos.
They said the offences contravened Sections 409, 275(1a) and 270 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.
At the continuation of hearing, Omotunmise and Obi were present while the police
said Okwara was still in their custody.
Prosecuting Inspector Simeon Imhonwa told the court that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) was yet to give an advice on the matter.
Complainants’ counsel Sam Ujunwa told the court that the child had not been found since December 22. He worried that she could have been murdered.
Magistrate B. O. Osasanmi ruled that since the court had the jurisdiction to hear the matter, it would go on and do so.
She ordered the prosecutor to retrieve the case file from the DPP and adjourned till November 29 for trial.