Michael Ofulue

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Two persons who were alleged to have attempted to kill the traditional Ruler of Igbokoda Kingdom, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo have been dragged before an Akure Magistrate’s Court.
The defendants, Akinbuwa Oyekanmi, (26) and Araulene Feyijimi (27) were brought to court by the operatives of Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS) of Ondo State Police Command.
They are standing trial on a five count charge bordering on Cospiracy , attempted murder, Cultism and willful and unlawful damage.
According to the prosecution “That you Akinbuwa Oyekanmi and Araulene Feyijimi and others still at large on May 23,2021 at about 10pm at No 18 Iiyamore close to Oba’s palace Igbokoda in Ondo State Magisterial Destrict being members of Eiye secret Cult did conspired with others to commit an offence to wit attempted murder.
“That you Akinbuwa Oyekanmi and Araulene Feyijimi and others at large did attempted to kill HRM Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, the paramount Ruler of Igbokoda Kingdom by sharing shooting him with gun.
” That you and others attempted to kill one wale Odiyeye by, shooting him with a gun injuring his right hand.
” That you also willfully and unlawful damaged one Mercedes Benz car with registration number KJA 671 RK valued at about five million naira N5million property of Oba Afolabi Odidiomo.
” That you and others at large on July 7,2021 at about 7:30am at Aboto junction Igbokoda being members of Eiye secret cult while armed with dangerous weapons conducted yourself in an unlawful manner.
The offence were said to be contrary to and punishable under section 516,415,321 and (ii)of the Cultism cap 37, 39 volume 1,Laws of Ondo State Nigeria 2006.
When the charge was read to the defendants they pleaded not guilty of the offence preferred against them.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Adeoye Adesegun told the court that the offence contained in the charge is serious one.
He pleaded with the Court to remand the defendants while the case file would be duplicated and send to the office of the Director of public Prosecution DPP for legal advice.
The Counsel to the defendants, Mr B. Adeyeye pleaded with the court to admit his clients to bail with a reliable surety and that they will not jump bail.
The trial Magistrate Mr Olanipekun Mayo said the offence committed is a serious one and the court lack the power to hear the case.
He directed the prosecution to send the case file to DPP for advise adding that a case cultism lies with power of the High Court to hear.
He ordered that the defendants should be remanded at Nigerian Correctional and Centre and he that they must also satisfy COVID 19 free.
He, however, adjourned the case till September 30,2021 pending the outcome of legal advise.