Three persons suspected to be thugs were yesterday arraigned before an Osun State Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo for allegedly invading the palace of a traditional ruler in the state, Alawo of Awo, Oba Abdulrazaq Taiwo Adegboyega, and threatened to kill him.

The defendants: Adebayo Akinsilo, 40, Oloyede Babatunde, 46 and 28-year-old Oloyede Habib, were arraigned on a six-count charge, bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, unlawful invasion, and breach of peace.

Police prosecutor, Idoko John, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), told the court that the defendants invaded the palace of Alawo of Awo in Awo town on August 26 with dangerous weapons, such as machetes, axes, charms while chanting war songs.

The trio were said to have conspired with others at large to forcefully dethrone the monarch. Idoko argued that the defendants caused panic and fear to Awo town and also threatened to kill the king should he fail to vacate the throne.

He said their offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 516, 42, 86, 517, 70 and 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the offences as their counsel, Kehinde Adesiyan, urged the court to admit them to bail in most liberal terms. The defendants’ counsel argued that the constitution presumes them innocent of the allegations until proven contrary.

But the police prosecutor objected to their bail application on the ground that they would commit similar offences or abuse bail if granted. The presiding Magistrate Adeyemoye Adeyeba having listened to both parties, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the matter to October 12 for hearing. (The Guardian)

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