Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan
Mr. Haruna Sule and his friend Abdulfatai Quadri, both 30 years of age were on Wednesday arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, Mr Taiwo Oladiran sitting in court 5, Iyaganku Magistrate Court, Ibadan over alleged attempt to sell a six year old boy.
According to a charge sheet number: M/1048/2017, the accused persons were arraigned on two counts charge of conspiracy and attempt to sell a boy but they pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Oriola James told the court that Haruna and his friend Abdulfatai on June 21 at Agbowo area, Ogbomoso in Oyo state conspired to sell the six years old boy for an undisclosed amount
According to the prodercutor, the boy, (name withheld), is said to be Haruna’s biological son.
The prosecutor stated that the offences contravened sections 516 and 509 Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.
Earlier, at the police station, Haruna in his confessional statement told the police that he decided to sell his son in order to raise money for his mother’s burial.
Narrating how they were arrested, Haruna said he was the one who called his friend, Abdulfatai to help him look for a buyer who was willing to buy the boy as the mother’s burial date keeps approaching.
He stated that his friend had called to inform him that he had found a buyer but only to be arrested at the point where the money was to be collected. He said the prospective buyer was the one who called the police for their arrest.
Chief Magistrate Oladiran however granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till August 31 for further hearing.