POLICE ARREST TWO OVER VIOLENT ATTACK IN EKI/ABOTO COMMUNITY AFTER COURT VERDICT
13th September, ONDO2025 Akure, Ondo State
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two individuals linked to a violent outbreak in the Eki/Aboto community of Ilaje Local Government Area, following a court judgment in a long-standing land dispute.
The suspects, identified as Ogunsemore Gbadebo and Michael Ogunsemore, were apprehended for allegedly masterminding an attack on the community after the Court of Appeal in Akure ruled against them in a land ownership case on June 20, 2025. The judgment reaffirmed the legal claim of HRM Oba Oyetayo Ofoaye of Aboto community over the contested land.
Instead of accepting the ruling, the two reportedly resorted to self-help, recruiting armed thugs who launched a violent assault on the Eki/Oboto community. The attack resulted in the displacement of residents, destruction of homes, burning of palm produce, and left one victim, Jeremiah Okuntimehin, with machete wounds.
According to a statement signed by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, Police Public Relations Officer, the swift intervention by operatives of the Command led to the arrest and subsequent arraignment of the suspects. Efforts are ongoing to track down other perpetrators still at large.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, condemned the attack, emphasizing the Command’s zero tolerance for lawlessness and its unwavering resolve to uphold peace and public order across Ondo State.
“The police will not allow individuals or groups to undermine the rule of law or turn civil disagreements into security threats,” CP Lawal warned, urging community members to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
He also thanked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, for their continued support in promoting peace and ensuring justice.
Police presence has since been reinforced in the affected area, and the Command has appealed to residents to embrace dialogue over violence, warning against any form of reprisal that could further escalate tensions.
