10 Remanded Over Attempted Murder of Igoba Monarch, Alleged Communal Violence in Ondo
18th October, 2025
Ten individuals have been remanded in prison custody by an Ondo State Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, following their arraignment over a series of violent offences, including the attempted murder of a traditional ruler and the promotion of communal warfare in the Igoba community.
The suspects — Seun Bankole (46), Alo Tolulope (32), Kolawole Kazeem (35), Seriki Lateef (35), Bankole Tobi (25), Sunday Amigun (32), Ayodele Saka (34), Adedayo Ogidan (43), Olaoluwa Kayode (26), and Ezekiel Vincent (31) — were charged alongside others still at large under charge number ENO MAK/AM/899/2025. They are alleged to have committed the crimes between October 1st and 2nd, 2025, in the Aleo and Imolumo areas of Igoba, within the Akure Magisterial District.
Brought before Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni by the Commissioner of Police, the defendants face multiple counts including unlawful assembly, illegal possession of firearms, attempted murder, malicious damage, promotion of communal war, and threats to life — all offences contrary to and punishable under the Criminal Code and the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act.
The police allege that the suspects orchestrated a violent attack on Igoba, during which they attempted to assassinate His Royal Highness, Oba Adinlewa Adeniyi John, the Obalogun of Igoba Land. According to court documents, the attackers, armed with firearms, cutlasses, knives, and charms, stormed the monarch’s palace in what was described as a coordinated and dangerous operation.
In addition to the alleged assault on the Oba, the suspects are also accused of attacking one Mrs. Arowolo Joy. She was reportedly beaten with sticks and fists, and her phone (a Tecno device valued at N80,000) and tomato garden (worth N5,000) were said to have been destroyed during the violence.
Weapons recovered from the defendants, according to the prosecution, include two cut-to-size barrel guns, three live cartridges, two expended shells, two cutlasses, five knives, and a bulletproof vest. The police say the accused could not provide any lawful justification for possessing the items.
All ten defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court. The Police Prosecutor requested their remand in prison custody to enable the proper transmission of the case file to the Office of the Attorney General for legal advice — a request which Magistrate Sekoni granted. The accused are to remain in custody until December 2025, pending the Attorney General’s recommendation.
Representing the traditional ruler in court was Barrister Dan Olawale-Dan, while the defence was led by Barrister Emmanuel Emodamori.
As court proceedings continue, residents of Igoba remain on edge, hoping the justice system will bring resolution and restore peace to a community shaken by violence and threats to its traditional leadership.
