Ex-Ekiti Speaker remanded in prison over attempted Murder charge

The former Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly, Dele Olugbemi, and another individual named Tajero Adebayo, have been remanded in the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre following their arraignment in an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court. The charges against them include fraud, attempted murder, conspiracy, and threat of violence.

During the court proceedings on Tuesday, Inspector Caleb Leramo, the Police Prosecutor, presented the case, stating that the defendants committed the alleged offenses on February 24 at 7:00 p.m. and on May 31 at 10:30 p.m. in Ado-Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti State.

Leramo informed the court that the defendants had threatened violence and attempted to murder Chief Ogunyemi Aluko and another person. According to Aluko’s statement to the police, one of the defendants had threatened him, claiming to be a factional leader of the Oodua People’s Congress in Ekiti State.

Aluko further alleged that Olugbemi had collected a sum of N400,000 from him under false pretenses.

The money was supposedly meant for the recruitment of 80 members into the Western Security Network, popularly known as ‘Amotekun,’ at a rate of N5,000 per member. However, none of the recruited individuals were included in the security corps.

When Aluko demanded a refund, Olugbemi allegedly resorted to using his former position to issue threats against him.

The situation took a more serious turn on May 31 when Olugbemi, accompanied by four armed individuals, reportedly visited Aluko’s house late at night. The assailants, armed with guns, cutlasses, and broken bottles, brutally beat Aluko, causing injuries to his head. Aluko managed to escape from the scene narrowly.

The charges against Olugbemi and Adebayo contravene various sections of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, including Sections 421, 329(1)(a), 241(a), and 46. The prosecutor requested the court to remand the defendants in a correctional center until they receive legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

The defendants did not enter any pleas during the court proceedings. Chief Magistrate Mr. Saka Afunso ordered their remand in the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre pending the issuance of legal advice. The case was adjourned until July 3 for further mention.

The charges against the former Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly and his co-defendant have sparked significant attention and concern within the state. The court proceedings will continue as the legal process unfolds, ensuring a thorough examination of the allegations brought against the defendants.