MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 24-year-old man, Bazzallahi Auwal, has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ikeja, Lagos, over allegations of conspiracy and impersonation at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, Local Terminal.
According to the charge sheet, the incident was said to have occurred on May 21, 2026, at about 1:00pm at MMA2 Terminal, Local Airport, Ikeja, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
The defendant was arraigned alongside one other person, who is currently at large. The case was filed by the Commissioner of Police.
In Count One, the prosecution alleged that Bazzallahi Auwal and the other person at large conspired among themselves to commit a felony. The alleged act was impersonating one Wudil Ahmad Shehu.
The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. The prosecution told the court that the alleged conspiracy took place within the airport premises.
Count Two bordered directly on impersonation. Police alleged that on the same date, time, and place, Bazzallahi Auwal impersonated Wudil Ahmad Shehu.
The prosecution said the alleged act violated Section 380(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. According to the charge, the defendant presented himself as the said individual for an unlawful purpose.
Officers from MMA2 Police Station conducted the initial investigation before the case file was forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
The DPP’s office, under the Lagos State Ministry of Justice at Ogba, reviewed the file and issued approval for prosecution. The document was signed and dated May 22, 2025, at 11:45am.
During arraignment, the particulars of the offence were read to the defendant in open court. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Prosecutor, Inspector Adeitan Oluwabunmi, then asked the Court for a hearing date to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, M.A. Agbaje, granted him bail with two sureties in like sum who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment, with addresses verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, Lagos, pending perfection of bail conditions.
Legal observers note that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The matter was adjourned to enable the prosecution to assemble witnesses and evidence. The court will continue with hearing and determine the next steps in accordance with due process.
