Judicial Process Commences For 14 Accused In Kwara Monarch’s Murder Investigation

Judicial Process Commences For 14 Accused In Kwara Monarch’s Murder Investigation

Fourteen individuals faced arraignment on Thursday at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, charged in connection with the alleged murder of Oba Aremu Olusegun Cole, the Onikoro of Koro in Ekiti Local Government Area. According to PUNCH Metro, this legal action was initiated by the Kwara State Ministry of Justice following their earlier charging at a Kwara State Magistrates Court under Mrs. Monisola Kamson……. CONTINUE READING 

The accused, among them Godwin Jacob, Olowofela 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, are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and culpable homicide under Section 221 of Nigeria’s Penal Code Law. Some suspects remain at large.

The charges allege that the accused stormed the palace, resulting in the death of Oba Aremu Olusegun Cole and the abduction of his wife, Olori Iyabo Aremu Cole, and two others. They reportedly demanded a ransom of N100 million, with N12 million eventually paid by the victims’ relatives.

During the proceedings presided over by Justice Umar Zikir and attended by the Kwara State Director of Public Prosecutions, Muhammed Akande, the seriousness of the charges was emphasized, necessitating legal representation for the accused. The Office of the Public Defender offered to provide legal aid as needed.

Justice Umar Zikir granted bail to two of the accused and ordered the remaining twelve to be remanded at the correctional facility in Ilorin until the next hearing on July 30, 2024. The case had previously been adjourned at the Magistrate Court pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Defense counsel for Olowofela Oyebanji informed the court that his client was unable to attend due to hospitalization in Lagos but assured his presence at the next hearing. Magistrate Kamson, who oversaw the earlier proceedings, set August 9, 2024, for the next hearing.