Eight Defendants Appear in Ondo Court Over Murder and Land Dispute-Related Offenses
In a recent development, eight individuals, including two 63-year-old men and a septuagenarian, have been arraigned before the Ondo State Magistrate Court in Akure. They face charges related to the alleged murder of Paul Akinbohun and causing a breach of peace stemming from a land dispute.
The defendants presented before the court on Tuesday are as follows:
1. Ajumobi Kolawole, 48
2. Yusuf Aliu, 22
3. Adegbemiro Adeniyiju, 63
4. Ambrose Olajide, 32
5. Patrick Ayodeji, 50
6. Benard Nworie, 73
7. Abiodun Adelegan, 63
8. Omowumi Adepetu, 38
They face a range of charges, including conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder, malicious damage, and causing a breach of public peace.
The charges stem from a land dispute in Iworiodo, via Oke-Opa in Bolorunduro, Ondo East Local Government Area. Akinbohun’s family claimed that the state High Court had ruled in their favor, asserting ownership of the disputed land. Allegedly, the opposing family sent the defendants to attack members of Akinbohun’s family following the court’s judgment.
During the court proceedings, Barrister Oluwafemi A, representing Akinbohun’s family, requested the defendants be remanded in prison due to the gravity of the alleged offenses.
The deceased’s father, Otunba Akinbohun, appealed to the Inspector General of Police, the State Commissioner of Police, and the Ondo State Government to ensure justice is served for his son’s gruesome murder and called for the arrest of those still at large.
The police prosecutor, Simon Wada, detailed the allegations, stating that the defendants committed the offenses on October 14 at Osun Community via Bolunduro. According to the prosecution, the defendants conspired to kill Paul Akinbohun by beating him with sticks and fists, resulting in injuries to his forehead and body. They also allegedly attempted to kill other members of Akinbohun’s family.
Furthermore, the defendants are accused of willfully destroying property belonging to one Adenusi Adeleye, including two Highlander tires, side mirrors, and one headlight, with a total value of N200,000.
Awolegan and Adeputu were charged with actions likely to cause a breach of peace and assembling to witness the beating of Akinbohun, leading to his death.
These charges are in violation of Sections 324, 319, 320, 451, and 81 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.
The prosecutor requested the court’s approval to remand the defendants in the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). In response, the defense counsel, Yinka Muyiwa, requested the court’s discretion in granting temporary liberty to the defendants.
The Trial Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, ordered the defendants to be remanded in police custody and scheduled the case for a ruling on the application for prison remand on November 16, 2023.
