Court Remands Suspect in Killing of Two Traditional Rulers in Ekiti State
A 25-year-old man, Babuga Lede, has been remanded in the correctional centre by an Ekiti State Magistrate’s Court for his alleged involvement in the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State.
The victims, the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba David Ogunsakin, and the Olumojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Samuel Olusola, were attacked and killed by gunmen while travelling along Oke Ako-Irele Road on January 29. Their colleague, the Alara of Ara (Ikole), Oba Sunday Fatoba, managed to escape the attack.
During the arraignment on Tuesday, the police prosecutor, Yomi Osuolale, informed the court of the suspect's alleged involvement in the crimes, including conspiracy to kidnap, attempt to murder, and murder of the traditional rulers.
Osuolale stated that the defendant was also suspected of attempting to kidnap Oba Samuel Adebayo Fatoba and Bamidele Ibikunle Joseph, the driver. The charges against Lede fall under sections 280, 241, and 234 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State 2021.
The prosecutor further revealed that the defendant was apprehended in Ikole Ekiti on January 29, in possession of weapons. The case file has been forwarded to the Ekiti State Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.
Magistrate Olubunmi Bamidele ordered the remand of the defendant at the Ado Ekiti Correctional Custody pending legal advice from the DPP. The case has been adjourned till April 24 for further hearing.
