The Inspector-General of Police has arraigned four Osogbo-based suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged murder and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants — Adejare Waliyu, Kilanko Ismaila Damilare, Kehinde Adeola and Muheeb Taoheeb — were brought before Justice Binta Fatima Nyako on a two-count charge bordering on murder and illegal possession of a prohibited firearm.
According to the charges, Adejare Waliyu allegedly had unlawful possession of a pump-action rifle, contrary to Section 27 of the Firearms Act. In the second count, the four defendants were accused of using the weapon to kill one Sheriff during a political crisis in Osun State between August 26 and November 28, 2022, an offence said to be contrary to Section 319 of the Criminal Code Act, 2004.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Counsel to the accused subsequently applied for the transfer of the case to the Osogbo Division of the Federal High Court, arguing that the alleged offences were committed in Osogbo and that prosecution witnesses are based there.
Despite objections, Justice Nyako granted the request, ruling that the case be transferred to the Osogbo Division for administrative convenience and because it is the location where the alleged crime occurred.
Pending the transfer of the case, the court ordered that the defendants remain in the custody of the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
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