- Police present 4 witnesses
An Osun State High court sitting in Osogbo on has begun hearing on the aftermath of the recent inter-tribal clash that broke out in Ile-Ife, where scores were killed and several property destroyed.
When the case came up before Justice Kudirat Akano on Wednesday for hearing, all the six suspects, including a traditional ruler, Oba Ademola Ademiluyi; a cleric, Pastor Taiwo Fakuwajo, and four men – Akeem Eluwole , Bamidele Elurisanmi, Jimoh Sakiru and Daniel Olanrewaju, who had, on April 28, 2017, been arraigned in the court on a 14-count charge by the police, were present in court.
They are standing trial for murder,arson, armed robbery and conspiracy.
No fewer than nine monarchs and other relatives of the accused persons attended the court proceeding to witness the trial and solidarise with the accused monarch.
The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Simon Lough, told the court that he would be calling four Hausa witnesses, saying they were ready to give their testimonies in Hausa language.
Lough requested that the court should provide an interpreter.
The first prosecution’s witness, Mallami Nasri, identified Oba Ademola Ademiluyi, Pastor Taiwo Fakuwajo and Akeem Eluwole as those who were involved in the crisis.
While giving evidence in Hausa language, Mallami said, ” When the crisis started, I saw both Oba Ademola and Akeem Elujobi beating some Hausa children over the allegation by Akeem’s wife that they messed up her shop’s frontage. I tried to intervene but Oba Ademola threatened to beat me if I did so. I went to police station to report and some officers were detailed to go abck with me to the scene. Immediately Oba Ademola and his goons saw the police, they all ran away.
“The following day, during the clash, I saw Pastor Fakowajo shoot and kill one Salmon Mohammad in my presence and some of the people carrying out the attack were putting on mask.
“I lost N8.7million to the clash that claimed many lives.”
Justice Akano in her ruling adjourned the case till Thursday, 15th of June, 2017 for continuation of hearing.
