An Ilorin Magistrates’ Court on Friday ordered a former policeman to be remanded in prison custody for allegedly extorting money from engineers working for MTN.

The accused, Toyin Afolayan, 27, of Olunlade area in Ilorin, was alleged to have attacked engineers and workers of MTN, who were installing communication mast at a site.

The prosecution said that the accused committed the crime while demanding illegal monetary settlements from the workers.

The Prosecuting Police Officer, Sgt. Bilkisu Adu, told the court that Afolayan’s accomplices took to their heels when they sighted policemen.

Adu said that Afolayan was later arrested with a locally-made single barrel pistol while others escaped.

The accused was arraigned on a two-count charge of illegal possession of firearms and attempt to commit an offence with extortion.

She said that the alleged offences contravened sections 95 of Robbery and 3(1) of Firearms (Special Provision) Act CAP R11 Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor objected to the bail of the accused and urged the court to remand him in prison custody, pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The Magistrate, Mr Noah Kehinde, declined bail for the accused and ordered him remanded in the Federal Prison, Okekura, Ilorin.

Kehinde adjourned the case till 9 October.