Court Orders Osun Traditional Ruler, Four Others to Remain in Custody Over Arson Allegations

A traditional ruler in Osun State, Nigeria, Oba Muideen Azeez, the Elegbedi of Egbedi, and four others have been remanded in the Ile-Ife Custodial Centre for failing to meet their bail conditions. They’re facing 29 counts of arson, destruction of farmland, illegal possession of firearms, and robbery.

The alleged offences took place on September 3, 2019, at a farm in Iloba town, where the defendants, armed with firearms and offensive weapons, robbed Wasilatu Akinola and other women of valuable items worth around N10 million. They also allegedly set fire to the palace of Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi, Oloba of Iloba, and other buildings in the town.

Justice Kudirat Akano granted the defendants bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties each, but they were unable to meet the conditions. One of the sureties must be a level 16 civil servant with landed properties within the court jurisdiction, and the other must be a part-two monarch.

A prosecution witness, Mustafa Waheed, testified that Oba Muideen Azeez assaulted him after he brought policemen to arrest the monarch for destroying his farm. The case has been adjourned until October 16 for further hearing.

Case Details:

– Defendants: Oba Muideen Azeez, Akibu Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran, and Sarafadeen Abioye
– Offences: Arson, destruction of farmland, illegal possession of firearms, and robbery
– Date of Alleged Offences: September 3, 2019
– Location: Iloba town, Osun State
– Bail Conditions: N5 million with two sureties each
– Next Hearing: October 16, 2024.