No fewer than seven men have been ordered to be remanded at the Abolongo Correctional facility in Oyo for alleged arson and murder during the recent crisis that erupted in Shasha, Akinyele local government area of Oyo state.
The order was given by an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday.
The suspects charged by the police include: Tajudeen Oladunni, 50; Saburi Lawal, 37; Ojo Joshua, 25; Adekunle Olanrewaju, 38; Olagunju James, 24; Rasaq Yahya, 32 and Olaide Olawuyi, 20.
They were charged with six counts offences bordering on conspiracy, arson and murder.
Speaking, the prosecution counsel, Foluke Oladosu, a Police Inspector told the court that the suspects conspired with others at large, to commit the offence.
Oladosu said, on February 12, at about 10 a.m., at Shasha market, Ibadan, the suspects caused the death of Adeola Shakirudeen, when they beat him up.
The police also alleged that the suspects caused the death of 31 others.
The prosecution also alleged that the suspects set fire on two houses, belonging to Chief Adelabu Ibrahim and caused N50 million damage, adding that the suspects also allegedly burnt down a house, belonging to one Osuolale Akindele and destroyed property worth N20 million.
The offence, the police said, contravened the provisions of sections 6, and 316 and punishable under sections 443 and 319 and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol.II, Laws of Oyo State 2000.
But, Magistrate I.O. Osho did not take the plea of the suspects for want in jurisdiction.
She ordered the police to return the case file to the Office of the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. The case was adjourned till May 11, for mention.
