26 suspects discharged in DPO’s murder case, five remanded

YESTERDAY, an Iyanganku Chief Magistrates’ Court presided by Mr. A. Adebisi discharged 26 suspects in the murder of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Agugu Police Station in Oyo State, CSP Ike Nworgu, as he held that the accused should not be charged with any criminal offence.

The accused were arraigned on April 10 on a five-count charge of conspiracy, murder and unlawful possession of firearms. They include Aminu Idowu, Adebayo Hammed, Rilwan Kazeem, Oguniran Olalekan, Tiri Oladele, Lateef Sulaiman, Taofeek Ajibola and Ajibade Oloyede.

Others are Jelili Rafiu, Adebayo Kudus, Kudus Dauda, Olusegun Onaolapo, Dare Rasak, Abiodun Olarenwaju, Alimotu Oriyomi, Obisesan Tobi, Lanre Ajekigbe, Ogundele Kazeem, Fantôme Dele, Olajire Mutiu, Dayo Oriade, Yeni Morenikeji and Taye Johnson.

However, Adebisi ruled that Okikiola and Jelili be retained as prosecution witness, stating: “Consequent upon legal advice, the two defendants should be preserved, protected and be prepared to be used as prosecution witness in this case.

“Police authority is hereby advised to collect their particulars with a view to tracking them when trial commences.”

Meanwhile, Sakiru Bello, Abdullahi Dabiri, Yemi Onifade, Isamail Alli and Rilwan Mulli were remanded in prison custody. The matter was adjourned till July 28 for mention.

The DPP’s advice, dated June 23, however, directed that five other defendants should be charged with conspiracy and murder.