An Osun State Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo has remanded nine persons in Ilesa Correctional Centre for attacking a traditional ruler, Onigege of Igege, Oba Kazeem Adio and wilful damage, stealing, possession of weapons and breach of peace in his palace.
The suspects, including two septuagenarians and seven others, were charged on seven counts of conspiracy, wilful damage, stealing, possession of weapons and breach of peace.
Talibi Ayinde, 59; Yekeem Kamoru, 39; Olaoye Sefiu, 33; Musilumi Akanbi, 7; Taofeeki Jabaru, 45; Akeem Alaago, 40; Semiyu Yekini, 47; Mojidi Sefau, 50 and Akibu Alarape, 74, are currently in police custody.
The suspects, according to court numbering nine, on October 15, 2021, at about 10:30 am, took ten litres of petrol to the palace of Oba Adio and attempted to set it ablaze.
The police prosecutor, ASP John Idoko, said that the defendants armed themselves with sticks, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, attacked the monarch’s palace and damaged his ceiling and vehicle.
They were also charged with stealing N350,000, property of the monarch and also damaging the side mirrors and windscreen of a pathfinder jeep belonging to Oba Adio while they were armed with sticks, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.
The Police prosecutor argued that the defendants committed offences contrary and punishable under Sections 516, 413, 383, 509, 517, 451, and 249(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.
When the count charges were read to the accused, they pleaded not guilty.
Their counsels, Ibrahim Abolusodun, Tunbosun Oladipupo and Najite Okobe, prayed the court to release them on bail in liberal terms adding that they had reliable people to stand their sureties.
The Police prosecutor, Idoko objected to the bail application as the police are making efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects adding that there was still tension in Igege and that releasing the defendants on bail would worsen the security situation in the community.
While ruling, Chief Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara ordered that the defendants be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre till November 1 when their bail applications would be considered at Iwo Magistrate’s Court.
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