Ex-Kogi governor's son charged with armed robbery

Mohammed Audu, the eldest son of Late Governor Abubakar Audu of Kogi state has been charged with armed robbery at the Chief Magistrates’ Court 11, Lokoja.

According to Punch, Mohammed was arrested on Wednesday night when he honoured the invitation of the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad at the “A” Division Office of the Nigeria Police Force in Lokoja and he was subsequently detained.

He was charged to court by the police on Thursday, September 8, 2016.

Other charges filed by the police against Mohammed were criminal conspiracy, causing mischief and grievous hurt as well as attempted culpable homicide, all contrary to sections 97 (1), 248, 327, 298 and 229 of the Penal Code.

Mohammed’s uncle, Alhaji Yahaya Audu, who was the complainant in the case, alleged that he was attacked by some hoodlums in his home at Ogbonicha on August 30.

He said it was by sheer miracle that he escaped from his assailants, who, he said, were shooting sporadically during the attack.

Otowu Gabriel, the police prosecutor told the court that though investigation into the matter was still ongoing, findings by the police linked Mohammed and others still at large with Yahaya’s attack.

The lead defence counsel, Okechukwu Ajunwa, however, contended that there was nothing in the charge that linked his client to Yahaya's attack.

He urged the court to admit his client to bail in line with the provision of the constitution, and in view of the fact that the police were still investigating the case.

He assured that his client was a prominent member of the society, who had no reason to abscond, adding that Mohammed was not arrested but he voluntarily honoured their invitation.

In his response, the prosecutor said he did not wish to oppose the bail application but would allow the court to use its discretion.

Alhassan Hussain, the chief magistrate admitted Mohammed to bail, with a directive that he must make himself available for every court session.

The case was adjourned to September 29, 2016.

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