An Imam and his daughter were arrested on a charge of attempted murder after allegedly trying to kill poor people by feeding them cake containing needles and poison, according to police in Nigeria.

Lagos police said that they have arrested 50-year-old Mohammed Yusuf and 18-year-old Salamat Yusuf, after they conspired to kill dozens of beggars near their mosque.

The two were charged with attempted murder and conspiracy.

In court, the father and his daughter pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their bail has been set at $1,556 each.

According to the police, Mohammed did not like the fact that poor people were spending time near his mosque and conspired with his daughter to get rid of them.

On Friday, Mohammed sent Salamat to distribute snacks to the beggars. When one of them tried to take a bite, he realized that something sharp was hidden inside the cake.

He took the cake apart and found needles and poison. The beggars immediately called the police and the two were arrested.