Traditional ruler, 9 others arraigned for murder in Ondo

by ‘Jola Sotubo

 10 people, including a monarch, were yesterday arraigned before an Ondo Magistrate Court on charges of murder.

Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, the Olu of Igbokoda, an area within the state, along with 9 other suspects, was taken before the court for allegedly being responsible for the death of one Prince Omolebi Titiola.

The other suspects were identified as Tayo Lebile, Nana Iroayo, Deji Enikanlogbo, Taiwo Medioye, Lekinyo Feyesara, Clement Orieta, Omorilonji Toyin, Adeniyi Gorroth and Olatunji Akinlaja.

The Nation reports:

Police prosecutor Stanley Nwodo (DSP) from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, said the suspects allegedly murdered Titiola on March 13 at Ilaje High School in Igbokoda.

Nwodo said they also attempted to murder one Obiadi Itunu by allegedly hitting him in the back with a spear.

Magistrate Agunloye said the court had no jurisdiction over capital offence and said the case should be referred to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.

Nwodo urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending the advice.

Even though Magistrate Agunloye said the court had no jurisdiction over the matter, he granted the defence counsel’s oral bail application for his clients.

He told the suspects to produce a civil servant of Grade Level 10 with landed property within the jurisdiction and two prominent traditional rulers as sureties.

The case was adjourned till today.

Oba Odidiomo, who looked pale, and the other suspects were brought from Abuja on Tuesday evening and were detained at the Igbokoda Police Station before their arraignment.

The deceased’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Taiwo Titiola, who were also in court, said they wanted justice.

Some lawyers criticised the granting of bail to the accused, saying it was unethical.

They urged the Ondo State Judiciary Service Commission to investigate the ruling and sanction the magistrate.

 

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