Police arraign 7 over alleged murder, conspiracy

The Police, on Wednesday, arraigned seven men before an Akure Magistrates’ Court over alleged conspiracy and murder.

The defendants were: Daniel Babalola, 39; Olatunji Abiola, 27; Lawal Muheez, 40; Shinal Ojo, 45; Akinyeye Babawale, 41; Lucky Akparobi, 42 and Michael Ayegbajeje, 31.

They are facing an eight-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and murder.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp Adeoye Adesegun, told the court that the defendants and others at large, in Ondo town, unlawfully conspired with one another to commit felony.

Adesegun said that Babalola and others at large, on Oct. 2, 2023 at Oboto Farm in Ondo, killed one Olagoke with stick and stone, and robbed him of TVS motorcycle, worth N450,000.

He stated that Babalola, Muheez, Ojo and Babawale unlawfully used the remains of the deceased for money-making charms.

The prosecutor also said that Babalola, in March 2024 at Oke-Igbo area of Ondo, again conspired with his accomplices to kill one Opeyemi Oyelakin and stole his motorcycle, worth N300,000.

The offences, according to him, contravene Sections 216, 516 and 234 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

He also said that the offences contravened the provisions of Section 213(a)(b) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

The Magistrate, Mrs O.W. Dosunmu, ruled that the first defendant, Babalola be remanded in Olokuta correctional centre, Akure.

She, however, adjourned ruling on the bail applications of the other defendants to June 26.