BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
A 22-year-old trader, Oluebube Onyejekwe, has been remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Facility for allegedly hiring a gang of suspected cultists to beat up a fellow trader owing him N20, 000.
It was gathered that trouble started when the debtor, David Ofem, pleaded with Onyejekwe that he should collect N10, 000 from the amount that he owed with a promise that he would pay the balance later.
The creditor, however, insisted that he would collect his money in full.
Onyejekwe reportedly hired some thugs to deal with his debtor for failing to meet his commitment. Ofem was said to have sustained severe injuries on different parts of his body while being battered.
Onyejekwe was docked at an Osun State Magistrate’s Court in Osogbo upon completion of investigation by the police.
Police prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Adeoye, informed the court that Onyejekwe committed the offence on September 7, 2021 at about 5:20pm at Igbona market, Osogbo.
According to him, the defendant conspired with some suspected cultists to inflict grievous harm on his debtor.
The defendant was accused of involving in an unlawful society known as Aiye Confraternity and instigating his cult group to unleash terror on Ofem, thereby causing him head injury as well as injury to other parts of his body.
The charge reads in part, “That Oluebube Onyejekwe, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district, did manage and assist in the management of an unlawful society known as Aiye confraternity and grievously harmed one David Ofem and caused him a permanent injury on his head and all over his body.”
The businessman was said to have committed offences contrary to Sections 62(1) and 335 and punishable under Section 63 of the Criminal Code CAP 34, Volume II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the three counts levelled against him.
Defence Counsel, K. E. Ngwoke, urged the court to grant his client bail in liberal terms with an assurance that he would not jump bail.
Magistrate O. A. Daramola turned down the bail application and ordered that Onyejekwe be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre pending the October 11 date of adjournment when the case would open for hearing.
