Suspected killers of the traditional ruler of the Koro community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara were arraigned on Thursday at the State High Court. the charges against them include kidnapping and culpable homicide.
According to the report, on the night of February 1, 2024, gunmen believed to be kidnappers invaded the palace of the Olukoro of Koro.
They killed Oba Peter Segun Aremu and kidnapped his wife and two other individuals. The traditional ruler, a retired army general, was reportedly shot dead in his palace by unknown assailants, who then abducted his wife and two others.
The suspects—Godwin Jacob, Olofela Oyebanji, Adefolalu Ayodele, Tewasie Francis, Babatunde Samuel, Godwin Joseph, Issa Mumee, Miracle Solomon, Abraham Kehinde, Muhammed Bello, Muhammed Muhammed, Ahmadu Umaru, Muhammed Dankai, and Saliu Murtala—were brought before Justice Umar Zikir.
The court charges indicate that the suspects caused the death of Oba Aremu Olusegun Cole, the Onikoro of Koro, and kidnapped his wife, Olori Iyabo Aremu.
They allegedly demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the kidnapped victims, although N12 million was eventually paid.
The Director of Public Prosecution, Barrister Muhammed Akande, informed the court that the charges are capital offences, necessitating legal representation for the accused.
He noted that the office of the public defender would provide legal services to any suspect in need.
The trial judge granted bail to two suspects who had initially been on bail, while the remaining suspects were remanded in a correctional facility. The case was adjourned to July 30, 2024, for proper arraignment.
In related proceedings, the State High Court granted bail to one of the suspected killers, Olowofela Oyebanji, due to health concerns. Oyebanji, the second defendant, was arraigned before Magistrate Monisola Kamson for the alleged offences of culpable homicide.
Oyebanji’s counsel, Barrister Udeh, explained that his client could not appear in court as he was hospitalized in Lagos. He assured the court of Oyebanji’s presence at the next hearing. Magistrate Kamson adjourned the case to the 9th of the following month.
Meanwhile, the prosecutor, Abdullah Sanni, applied to amend the police report to include a newly arrested suspect, Saliu Murtala, bringing the total number of suspects to 14. The other suspects—Godwin Jacob, Adefalolu Ayodele, Tewasie Francis, Babatunde Samuel, Godwin Joseph, Issa, Miracle Solomon, Abraham Kehinde, Muhammed Bello, Muhammed Muhammed, Ahmadu Umaru, and Muhammed Dankai—remain in custody.
The case was initially reported by Aremu Simon Adeyemi at the Eruku Police Division. According to the police report, Adeyemi recounted how the suspects threatened him at gunpoint and ordered him to follow them after he questioned their presence near his grandson.
Adeyemi’s grandson managed to escape, but the suspects killed the monarch and kidnapped his wife and another person named Mercy.
Adeyemi was eventually released, while the deceased’s wife and Mercy were held hostage.
The court proceedings continue as the case progresses towards trial.
