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By Tracy Moses
A human rights organization, Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), has petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Johnson Adenola, urging a thorough investigation into allegations of attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, threats to life, unlawful assembly, breach of peace, and criminal conspiracy.
The petition follows an incident involving several individuals in the Oloka community.
SPANCI, through its president, Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, issued a statement on Tuesday, calling for urgent action in the matter.
According to the statement, Bello has the consent of the victims – Mr. Isaiah Adeniran Oyebamiji, Adeyemi Oyebamiji, and Williams Ope – to pursue legal action and ensure that their rights are protected by law.
The alleged offenses are said to have been committed by Chief James Alagbe Akande (Bale Oloka), Mr. Tunde Alagbe, Mr. Joshua Alagbe, Zacceus Oyelaran, Moyegun Oyelaran, Bukola Alagbe, Oji Jimoh, Ojedapo Ayegboyin, John Olatoyan, Lukuman Omo Babalawo, and Dada Ifa.
The complainants, all residents of Ile Atoba Oloka, claimed that on the night of Friday, April 19, Mr. Joshua Alagbe threatened to kill them. Afterward, Mr. Ifa allegedly warned the victims to be cautious of men dressed in black, giving them a deadline of the following week to die.
Later, Joshua Alagbe and his associates were reportedly spotted at the entry point to Oloka, armed with a gun, and hiding behind Dabira Church. Despite failing to target the complainants, they resurfaced later that night at a naming ceremony, where Joshua allegedly fired shots at Mr. Adeyemi Oyebamiji and Williams Ope.
A confrontation ensued, leading to a commotion at the event. The situation only escalated when Bukola, Joshua’s relative, begged for mercy on behalf of the attackers. In the chaos, Oji Jimoh intervened and assisted the victims in escaping to a nearby village.
The complainants subsequently informed Bello, who advised them to report the incident to the local police. As a result, the suspects were traced to Aladere village, where they were found hiding, and the police recovered the weapon used in the attack.
Officer Oni of the Ikoyi Ile police division confirmed the arrest of the suspects, including the unlawful firearm’s recovery.
Despite the arrests, some individuals involved in the incident, including Oji Jimoh, Lukuman, and Zacceus’ brother, were reportedly released, raising concerns about the case’s integrity.
Bello further alleged that attempts were made by local officials, including Mr. Oladipo Bamikole, the Chief of Staff of the Ori-Ire Local Government, to secure bail for the suspects.
On April 21, representatives of Bale Oloka’s family visited Mr. Isaiah Adeniran Oyebamiji, requested that he withdraw the case, but he reportedly refused.
Bello has called for the re-arrest of the suspects who were released, including Chief Bale Oloka and Mr. Tunde Alagbe, and urged the Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation. He also called for the prosecution of all those involved in the alleged crimes.