A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the remand of one Babatunde Ogini over the alleged murder of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ebenezer Akinola, during the 2023 general elections.
Akinola was reportedly killed in front of his father’s house at Araromi Irojo area of Ilesa in March 2023, an incident that drew widespread condemnation.
The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, had earlier called for the arrest of those responsible for the killing.
Ogini was arraigned before the court by counsel to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge sheet, “Ogini Babatunde and others now at large, on March 17, 2023, conspired to kill the late Ebenezer Akinola at Ilesa East, Osun State, contrary to Sections 316, 319(1), and 324 of the Criminal Code.” It was also alleged that the defendant was found in possession of a pump-action rifle.
Ogini, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges read against him by the IGP’s prosecutor, Mrs. Bola Adaraloye.
Following the plea, the prosecution applied for the defendant’s remand, stating its intention to amend the charge sheet. “I want to amend the charge used to bring him before the court,” Adaraloye said.
Counsel to the defendant, Barrister Abimbola Ige, informed the court that a formal bail application for his client had been filed since July 25, 2023, and duly served on the prosecution.
However, presiding judge, Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi, declined to entertain the bail application at this stage and ordered that Ogini be remanded in a correctional facility.
The case was adjourned to October 14, 2025, for hearing.