A popular Islamic cleric, Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, on Monday approached an Oyo State High Court seeking the withdrawal of a kidnapped suit against the abductors of his twins.

Recall that the cleric's twins, age two years, four months were kidnapped at gunpoint at their residence in the Ojoo area, Ibadan, on April 17, 2020 while two of the kidnappers were employees of the cleric.

The suspects are Muhammed Basir, Oyeleye Opeyemi, Olumide Ajala, Taiwo Ridwan, Rafiu Mutiu and Fatai Akanji.

The suspects allegedly collected N4 million ransom from the cleric before releasing the kidnapped twins. They are standing trial before a high court in Ibadan on a five-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping and had since been remanded at a Correctional facility without bail.

Correspondent Kunle Ojo reports that at the resumed hearing of the suit on Monday, Akewugbagold told the court that he has forgiven the suspects and wants the suit to be struck out.

The cleric urged the court to ensure the suspects signed an undertaking that nothing would happen to him and his family.

He commended the judge for his uprightness and prayed to God for his success.

When Justice Mashud Abas, asked the cleric whether he was under duress, he said no and that he was forgiven them based on his beliefs.

The judge said that he was not bound by the pleas of the victims' father to strike out the suit and adjourned the case till Wednesday for ruling and ordered the suspects to be remanded at the Correctional centre.

He said his decision to withdraw the case was based on the need to forgive others adding that the suspects must have learnt their lessons by now.

The parents of the suspects were also in court as they expressed delight on the action of the cleric.