The police charged Halidu Abdullahi, 37; Umaru Sanda, 27; Abdullahi Kanti, 26; Umaru Lawal, 20; and Yahaya Mohammed, 20 with three counts of conspiracy , kidnapping and demanding for ransom.

Magistrate O.A. Enilolobo who did not take their plea, remanded them at the Anti Kidnapping Squad, Eleyele, pending legal advice.

Enilolobo ordered the prosecution to return the case file to the Oyo State Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

The magistrate  adjourned the matter until Dec.8 for mention.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Sgt. Olusegun Adegboye told the court that Abdullahi, Sanda, Kanti , Lawal and Mohammed  on July 26, allegedly kidnapped a businessman, Alhaji Adegoke Sefiu from his house for the purpose of collecting ransom

The offence, he said, at about 9:20p.m. at No. 16, Balee Opo Compound , Otu , in Iseyin Local Government of Oyo State.

Adegboye said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 3 (1) and (2) and is punishable under sections 4 (1) and 6 of the Oyo State Kidnapping ( Prohibition) Laws 2016.

The offence, the prosecution said, also contravened the provisions of Section 406 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.(NAN)