By Oluwadamilola Akinduro &
Ayodele Popoola
Ten men, including a factional leader of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), have been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly attempting to assassinate a traditional ruler, Oba Adeniyi John Adinlewa, the Obaloogun of Igoba land in Ondo State.
The accused, led by 32-year old Tolulope Alo, also known as ‘Asamo’ were brought to court on an eight-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, illegal assembly, breach of public peace, malicious damage, and threats to life.
The other defendants are Seun Bankole (42), Kolawole Kazeem (35), Seriki Lateef (35), Bankole Tobi (25), Sunday Amigun (32), Ayodele Saka (34), Adedayo Ogidan (43), Olaoluwa Kayode (21), and Ezekiel Vincent (26).
Recall that the suspects allegedly invaded Igoba community on Thursday, attacking residents at gunpoint, injuring several people, and looting properties.
The monarch, Oba Adinlewa, reportedly escaped unharmed when the attackers stormed his palace.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Sulaiman Adebayo told the court the offences occurred between October 1 and 2, 2025, at Aleo and Imolumo communities in Igoba, within the Akure Magisterial District.
Adebayo stated that the accused, armed with single-barrel guns, a dagger, charms, and other dangerous weapons, attempted to murder the monarch in his residence.
He added that the group unlawfully assembled with the intent to instill fear among residents and incite communal conflict against the traditional ruler.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendants were found with two cut-to-size barrel guns, three live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two cutlasses, five knives, and a bulletproof vest — all without lawful justification.
Additionally, they were accused of destroying a Teno mobile phone worth ₦80,000 and damaging tomato crops valued at ₦5,000 belonging to one Mrs. Arowolo Joy.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, violated Sections 516, 320, 332, 251, 42, and 71 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006, and Section 5 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. 174, Vol. 4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Adebayo requested the court to remand the suspects at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
However, defence counsel, Femi Emodamori opposed the remand application, requesting that his clients be allowed to give oral evidence under oath or that the case be adjourned to enable him file a counter-affidavit.
He explained that the crisis stemmed from a land dispute between one of the defendants and the monarch, and insisted that no confessional statement had been made by the accused as claimed by the police.
Magistrate Damilola Sekoni ruled that the defendants be held in police custody for one day to allow their counsel time to gather facts for a counter-affidavit.
He then ordered that they be transferred to the Olokuta Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned till October 10, 2025, for hearing on the remand application.