A Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has remanded a close associate of Governor Ademola Adeleke, Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir, on charges of terrorism and political killings.
THE WHISTLER recalls that upon his swearing in, Governor Adeleke appointed Olalekan as a member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Osun State Public Transportation System.
In 2023, Olalekan was arrested by the police in Osogbo and later transferred to Abuja for further investigation. This year, he was transferred back to Osogbo for his trial at the Federal High Court.
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Olalekan was arraigned on 10 counts of terrorism and killings of different people on February 27, August 22nd and November 28, 2022, in Osogbo, capital of Osun State.
The Police prosecutor, Umar Rabiu, from the office of the Inspector-General of Police, alleged that, “Olalekan a.k.a. Emir and others now at large at Orita CMS, Ilesa garage, Ayepe and Ayetoro areas in Osogbo, Osun State while acting in concert conspired together to commit felony to wit: Acts of Terrorism by being armed with guns, terrorising All Progressive Congress (APC) supporters and other residents, attacked and kill Muraina Olayiwole, Tajudeen Rabiu and Oyewale Sharif.”
He added that, “based on political differences, Olalekan did unlawfully killed Tope by shooting him with a gun and further use stone to stone him and broke his head where you instilled in the minds of the residents.
“Also, while acting in concert conspired together to commit felony to wit: Acts of Terrorism by being armed with guns, terrorising All Progressive Congress (APC) supporters and other residents, attacked to kill one Tajuddeen Rabiu.”
The prosecutor noted that the offences contravened Sections 26(1)(a), 2(2), i, h, of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
However, Olalekan pleaded not guilty to the offences pressed against him as his counsel, Barrister Edmund Biriomoni, filed formal bail application to secure his release.
The prosecutor, Rabiu, told the court that he will need time to reply and file a counter application.
The presiding judge, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, ordered that the accused person be remanded in Ile-Ife Correctional Facility and adjourned the matter to March 19, 2024 for hearing of the bail application.