In connection with an alleged murder and conspiracy, seven men were brought before an Akure Magistrate’s Court by the Police.
The accused individuals are Daniel Babalola (39), Olatunji Abiola (27), Lawal Muheez (40), Shinal Ojo (45), Akinyeye Babawale (41), Lucky Akparobi (42), and Michael Ayegbajeje (31).
They are charged with eight counts including conspiracy, theft, and murder.
According to the Police Prosecutor, Insp Adeoye Adesegun, the defendants, along with others still at large, allegedly conspired unlawfully in Ondo town to commit a felony.
Adesegun stated that Babalola and his associates are accused of killing Olagoke with a stick and stone on October 2, 2023, at Oboto Farm in Ondo, and stealing a TVS motorcycle valued at N450,000.
He further mentioned that Babalola, Muheez, Ojo, and Babawale allegedly used the deceased’s remains for money-making rituals.
The prosecutor also alleged that Babalola, in March 2024 in the Oke-Igbo area of Ondo, conspired with others to kill Opeyemi Oyelakin and stole his motorcycle worth N300,000.
These actions are said to contravene Sections 216, 516, and 234 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
Additionally, they were charged with violating Section 213(a)(b) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The defendants entered pleas of not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate Mrs. O.W. Dosunmu ordered the remand of the first defendant, Babalola, in Olokuta Correctional Centre, Akure.
She postponed the ruling on the bail applications for the other defendants to June 26. (NAN)