By Jeffrey Ahonmisi
Three suspects who allegedly damaged an office complex belonging to a lawyer, Mr Olusegun Abayomi, along the Nigerian Railway Corporation at Mile 110, Odo-Ona, Ibadan, Oyo State, have been arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The defendants, Adebayo Lateef, 25, Jimoh Lateef,30, and a local government Councillor, Seriki Idris of Ward 8, Onireke, Ibadan, were charged on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, assault, malicious damage, land grabbing, encroachment, and breach of peace.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The complainant, Mr. Abayomi, told the court that he acquired the land from a person who leased it from the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The Police prosecutor, Sergeant Akeem Akinloye, informed the court that the defendants and others now at large allegedly conspired to commit the offences.
Mr. Akinloye alleged that on 2nd February, 2025, the defendants forcefully encroached on the property of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, which was leased to Mr. Abayomi.
The prosecutor also stated that the defendants allegedly assaulted a female lawyer, Oluwatoyin Adegoke, by slapping and punching her and pointing a gun at her.
According to the prosecution, the defendants also allegedly stole electrical wires, fittings, and other electrical materials valued at ten million naira from the property.
The defence counsel, Mr. Martin Achugbue, prayed the court to grant the defendants bail in liberal terms.
In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted the defendants bail in the sum of seven million, five hundred thousand naira each, with two sureties each in like sum.
The matter was subsequently adjourned till April 16, 2026, for hearing.
Edited by Olaolu Fawole
