The Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, Monday remanded in prison custody four men accused of kidnapping the traditional ruler of Iba Town, Oba Goriola Oseni.

The suspects, Duba Furejo, Ododomo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh were arraigned yesterday before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo.

They are standing trial on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, robbery, armed robbery, felony and kidnapping preferred against them by the Lagos State Government.

Prosecuting counsel, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Adeniji Kazeem SAN, told the court that the suspects and others at large conspired to commit the alleged offences on July 16, 2016.

The offences, he alleged, occurred at the traditional ruler’s palace in Iba Town.

The suspects were accused of murdering ‎a security guard, Sunday Eniola Okanlawon, and a commercial motorcycle rider, Joseph Okeke.

The state also alleged that the defendants attempted to murder the monarch’s wife, Olori Abosede Oseni.

“The defendants, while armed with guns, robbed Abosede of her mobile phone.

“With intent to commit felony, they conspired ‎with others at large to kidnap Oba Yishau Goriola Oseni at the Oba’s Palace, Iba Town Lagos”, Kazeem said.

According to the prosecutor the offences were contrary to Sections 230, ‎233, 299, 297 (2) (b) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State C17, Vol. 3 Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendants denied the charge in the presence of their counsel Chief Selowei Baidi for the first, second and fourth and Mr. J. O Eguaroje for the third.

Following the prosecutor’s application that the defendants be remanded in prison custody and for a trial date, Justice ‎Taiwo adjourned till November 4, 11 and 18 for commencement of trial.

‎Speaking to newsmen afterwards, Kazeem said: “The swift commencement of the trial of the suspects in the kidnap of the Oniba is a strong signal by the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode that it is not business as usual for criminals. If you commit a crime, we will find you and prosecute you no matter how long it takes.”