A magistrates’ court in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has taken a decisive step in a disturbing case, ordering the remand of two siblings accused of abducting a young woman. The decision underscores the judiciary’s serious approach to kidnapping allegations while the legal process unfolds.
Carlos Awar (32) and Fortune Awar (30) appeared before Magistrate Abosede Sarumi on Monday, December 22, 2025, facing a three-count charge. The charges, as presented by Police Inspector Kehinde Ojugbele, are conspiracy, kidnapping, and the illegal prevention of a person’s liberation—specifically, 23-year-old Bisola Olanrewaju. The alleged crime occurred on December 4 at a residence on Ifedapo Line 11 in Ile-Ife. The prosecution asserts the siblings unlawfully confined Ms. Olanrewaju in a secret location, intentionally cutting her off from rescue.
The legal framework cited is critical to understanding the potential gravity of the case. The charges are brought under Sections 364(2), 365, and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002. Section 364 deals with forcible confinement and kidnapping, with subsection (2) prescribing life imprisonment. Section 516 addresses criminal conspiracy, which can significantly amplify penalties. The prosecution’s invocation of these sections signals they are pursuing the most serious applicable charges.
Despite pleading not guilty, the court denied the siblings’ bail application. Defence Counsel Samuel Obi’s arguments for “liberal terms,” client reliability, and responsible sureties were overruled. Magistrate Sarumi’s remand order to the Ile-Ife Nigerian Correctional Service is a common but significant procedural step in serious felony cases. It serves a dual purpose: ensuring the defendants’ presence at trial and, from the prosecution’s view, protecting the public and the judicial process during investigation. The court will reconsider bail on January 12, 2026, a date that allows time for further filings and deliberations.
This case sits at the intersection of several pressing issues in Nigeria. First, it highlights the persistent challenge of kidnapping, a crime that affects individuals and communities nationwide, instilling fear and disrupting lives. Second, it demonstrates the procedural workings of the lower courts, which handle the initial stages of serious criminal proceedings. The magistrate’s court’s role is to hear the charges, consider initial bail applications, and determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the case to a higher court for trial. The “not guilty” plea sets the stage for a potentially lengthy adversarial process where the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The coming weeks will be pivotal. The prosecution will continue building its case, likely gathering forensic evidence, witness statements, and technical data (like call logs or location records). The defence will scrutinize this evidence and prepare its counter-arguments. For the victim, Bisola Olanrewaju, and her family, the remand offers a measure of procedural justice but precedes the emotionally taxing journey of a trial. For the public, it is a reminder of the legal system’s mechanisms in confronting violent crime and the delicate balance between the presumption of innocence and the imperative of public safety.
Case Reference: The State v. Carlos Awar & Fortune Awar. Next scheduled hearing: January 12, 2026, at Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court.
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