8 suspects charged over cult killings
The Akure Division of the Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State has docked eight suspects over the recent cult-related killings in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of the state. The suspects are Ogunseyila Oladimeji (28), Olabode Ojo (30), Adeola Bero (30), Olayemi Ayodele (20), Ijalade Femi, Ijarotimi Taye (42), and two sisters, Bisi Gbenga […]
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The Akure Division of the Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State has docked eight suspects over the recent cult-related killings in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects are Ogunseyila Oladimeji (28), Olabode Ojo (30), Adeola Bero (30), Olayemi Ayodele (20), Ijalade Femi, Ijarotimi Taye (42), and two sisters, Bisi Gbenga (25) and Esther Gbenga (20).
They were taken to the magistrates’ court by the police after four people were killed during a violent clash between two rival cult groups in the town.
City & Crime had reported how a stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Fisayo Oladipo, was killed in the violent clash.
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The development cause Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to declare a dawn-to-dusk curfew in Owo LGA.
Appearing in court on Wednesday, the suspects were charged with a five-count charge of conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal possession of firearms and stolen vehicles.
Nelson Akintimehin, the prosecutor in the case, told the magistrates that the suspects committed the offences on January 6, 7 and 8, 2025 around 10:30am in Owo LGA.
Akintimehin also alleged that the suspects were members of different confraternities and had been terrorising and disturbing the peace of the community.
He said that the suspects used firearms and other weapons to kill Mr Oladipo, Oladimeji Alawis (19), Adedokun Malik (10), and Adedeji Rafiu (46).
The prosecutor also alleged that Messrs Ojo and Bero, who doubled as the second and third defendants in the case, were found in possession of a double-barrel gun and nine cartridges.
Mr Akintimehin said the 7th and 8th defendants, Bisi and Esther (who are siblings), were found with a Toyota Camry with reg. no GGE 393 HM (Lagos) and an unregistered Lexus ES350 vehicle.
He said the offences contravene sections 516, 319, and 430 of the Criminal Law of Ondo State, 2006, and Section 1 (I) and (II) of the Secret Cults and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law of Ondo State, 2006.