An Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun, on Friday remanded nine persons for allegedly kidnapping and killing six girls for ritual purposes.

The police charged the defendants, whose addresses were not provided, with kidnapping, murder, robbery, and conspiracy.

The defendants are Moses Aruwaji, 45; Adebayo Azeez, 32; Mariam Aruwaji, 42; Akinwunmi, 20; and Sheriff Agbani, 23.

Others are: Samuel Monday, 42; Osojieahon Aijonohouria, 24; Peter Oluwalolese, 48; and Jamiu Yufuf, 48.

The prosecutor, CSP Adaramola Felix, told the court that the defendants and others still at large committed the offences between September 28, 2023, and January 11.

Felix said the defendants conspired among themselves to kidnap and kill the victims—Sulaimon Adijat, Lucy Blessing, Lawal Adunni, Olarewaju Abosede, Ezeh Chom, and one Pretty—for ritual purposes.

He said they also robbed Adijat of her cellphone, valued at N70,000.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 23(2), 24(2), 319(2), and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr D. O. Ilo, said the defendants should be remanded in Ibara Correctional Centre, pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The magistrate did not take the pleas of the defendants.

She adjourned the case until May 8 for further hearings. (NAN)