Arson: Vulcanizer remanded, three docked

By Kayode Olabanji
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An Akure Magistrate Court sitting in Oke-Eda, has ordered the remand of one Segun Ajayi, at Olokuta Correctional Service Centre, over alleged murder, arson, malicious damage and stealing at Sotitobire Church in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The 22-year-old vulcanizer is facing a  4 -count-charge of felony, conspiracy, murder and arson, before Magistrate Charity Adeyanju.

Meanwhile, three other men, Emmanuel Ibironke, 33, Joshua Gabriel, 24, and Jacob Endurance, 26,were also brought before the Court over alleged attempted arson, malicious damage and stealing in the church, and granted bail in the sum of N1million each with one surety each.

According to the charge brought against the vulcanizer, Ajayi, he was said to have committed the offence on December 18, 2019, at about 9:45am at Sotitobire Church, Oshinle, Akure, in the Akure Magisterial District,  contrary to sections 383 and  punishable under sections 324, 516,319(1), 443(a), 451.

The prosecution said  the defendant  killed one Sergeant Seidu Ocheopo (m) by smashing him to death with tyre rim and stones at Sotitobire Church, Oshinle, while performing his lawful duty.

He was also alleged of setting ablaze Sotitobire Church in Oshinle and Ajipowo branches, including Police Hilux patrol vehicle, AK47 rifle with breach No, 4777 and some vehicles belonging to individuals valued at N200 million.

Other items that were vandalised according to the charge were; Toyota Siena, Range rover Jeep, Toyota venza, Toyota Camry and Lexus car, valued at N250 million, belonging to Alfa Babatunde Olumoyo.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Uloh Goodluck, prayed the court to remand the defendant to join his colleagues who were already at Olokuta Correctional Service Centre, since the case was a sister case to MAK/ 412c/19, pending the  legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

He added that, there was a video showing the defendant in the act of the offence he was alleged of.

No lawyer stood for the defendant.

Considering the application sought by the prosecutor, the Magistrate, Mrs Charity Adeyanju, ordered that the defendant be remanded at Olokuta Correctional Service Centre, pending legal advice from DPP’s office.

She adjourned the case till March 30, 2020, for legal advice.