An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court yesterday remanded in prison a 42-year-old man, Omoniyi Ademola, for alleged murder.
Ademola reportedly stabbed to death a traditional ruler, the Onise of Odo Oro Ekiti, Oba Gbadebo Ogunsakin, on August 20.
Also, two persons – Tajudeen Bello and Lucky Solomon – also appeared before the same court for alleged involvement in the murder of a Commissioner in the Federal Character Commission, Mr. Bunmi Ojo.
Ojo was shot dead at a viewing centre in Adebayo area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on August 10, while watching a live football match.
Police prosecutor, Johnson Okunade, alleged that Ademola, a member of one of the royal families in the community, committed the alleged offence on August 20.
According to him, the offence contravenes Section 319 of Criminal Code, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
The prosecutor urged the court to remand the accused in prison pending legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
The plea was not taken.
His counsel, Mr Adefolaju Ayobioloja, applied for his bail but the Magistrate turned it down.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Adesoji Adegboye, remanded the accused in prison.
He adjourned the matter till September 21 for mention.
Bello, 22, and Solomon, 32, are facing a two-count charge of murder and membership of a cult.
Okunade told the court that the duo conspired and murdered Ojo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member and former Personal Assistant (PA) to former Governor Segun Oni.
The prosecutor alleged that the accused were members of a secret society, Black Axe Confraternity.
The offences, according to him, contravenes Section 319 of Criminal Code and Section 4 (1) of the Secret Cults Abolition and Prohibition, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
Okunade prayed the court to remand the accused in prison pending the advice from the DPP.
Counsel to the accused, Mr. Chris Omokhafe, applied for the bail of his clients but the request was turned down by the court.
Magistrate Adegboye remanded the duo in prison and adjourned the matter till September 19 for DPP’s advice.