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By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a case that has sent ripples through the historic coastal town of Badagry, two women appeared before a Chief Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, facing serious allegations of conspiracy and the abduction of a minor. The legal proceedings follow a distressing incident near one of Nigeria's most famous landmarks.
The defendants, identified as Funke Aire, 50, and **Divine Richard, 27, were brought before the court following their arrest in the Agbomimo area. The duo stands accused of orchestrating the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl, an act that has sparked conversations around child safety and community vigilance in Lagos State.
According to the Police Prosecutor, ASP Edet Ekpo, the alleged crime took place on March 12, 2026, at approximately 9:23 p.m. The location of the incident Agbomimo, near the iconic First Storey Building in Badagry is a high-traffic area known for its historical significance and tourist appeal.
The prosecution alleges that Aire and Richard conspired to take the young teenager away without the knowledge or consent of her parents. While the specific motives behind the alleged abduction were not detailed in the initial charge sheet, the timing and location of the incident have added to the gravity of the case.
The court heard that the defendants did not evade justice for long. Vigilant members of the Agbomimo community reportedly noticed suspicious movements involving the women and the young girl. Taking swift action, the residents apprehended the duo and promptly handed them over to the police for formal investigation and prosecution.
This grassroots intervention has been lauded by local security observers as a testament to the importance of the "see something, say something" philosophy. Without the quick thinking of the bystanders near the First Storey Building, the outcome for the 13-year-old victim might have been far different.
The defendants are facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and abduction. ASP Ekpo informed the court that these offences are in direct contravention of Sections 268 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Section 268 specifically addresses the unlawful removal of a person from the custody of their guardians.
Despite the weight of the allegations, both Funke Aire and Divine Richard pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Their legal representatives argued for their right to bail, maintaining their innocence as the trial begins.
Presiding over the matter, Chief Magistrate Nurudeen Layeni granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum. To ensure the credibility of those standing for the accused, the Magistrate mandated that at least one of the sureties must be a company director or a recognized community leader.
The strict bail conditions reflect the court's commitment to ensuring the defendants return for trial while acknowledging the sensitivity of cases involving minors. The court has adjourned the matter until April 23, 2026, for mention and further hearing.