Court Remands Six in Prison over Ile-Ife Crisis

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has ordered that the six accused persons arraigned by the police in connection with the March 8 clash at the Sabo area of Ile-Ife be remanded in prison custody pending the commencement of the hearing of the case.

Justice Kudirat Akano gave the order on Friday when the accused persons, Oba Ademola Ademiluyi, Pastor Taiwo Fakuajo, Akeem Eluwole, Bamidele Elurisanmi, Jimoh Sakiru and Daniel Olanrewaju were brought before her. They were charged with 14 counts of murder; armed robbery, arson and conspiracy among others which they pleaded not guilty to.

According to TodayNG, the prosecutor told the court that the accused persons murdered 46 persons, injured 92 persons, robbed some persons and burnt some properties including vehicles, shops, and houses during the clash.

Based on their plea of non-guilty, the counsel for the Inspector General of Police, Simon Lough, made two oral applications before the court that the accused persons should be remanded in prison custody and he also applied for a date to commence the hearing.

Justice Akano in her ruling ordered the accused persons be remanded in prison custody and adjourned hearing in the case to June 14.

Five traditional rulers from Ile-Ife including the Olowaa of Elefon Ife, Oba Tajudeen Adebowale; family members and relatives of the accused persons were present in court in solidarity with them.