The Inspector-General of Police has arraigned four suspected political thugs from Osogbo, Osun State, 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 docked on Monday before Justice Binta Fatima Nyako on a two-count charge bordering on alleged homicide and illegal possession of a prohibited weapon.
Prosecuting counsel to the IGP, Mr Adeniyi Oyeyemi, told the court that Waliyu was found in possession of a pump-action rifle, said to be a prohibited firearm, in contravention of Section 27 of the Firearms Act.
In the second count, the prosecution alleged that the four men used the said weapon to kill one Sheriff during a political crisis in Osogbo, contrary to Section 319 of the Criminal Code Act, 2004.
According to the charge, the offences were allegedly committed between August 26 and November 28, 2022, in Osun State.
The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
Following their plea, Oyeyemi sought a date for the commencement of trial. But counsel for the defendants, Mr Okon Ita, urged the court to transfer the case to the Osogbo Division of the Federal High Court, arguing that the alleged offences occurred in Osogbo and that all prosecution witnesses reside in the Osun State capital.
While acknowledging that the Federal High Court has nationwide jurisdiction, Ita contended that, for administrative convenience and in the interest of justice, the matter should be heard in the location where the alleged crime took place.
The prosecution opposed the application, but Justice Nyako upheld the defence’s argument and ordered that the case be transferred to the Osogbo Division of the court.
The judge directed that, pending the transfer of the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/655/2022, the defendants should remain in the custody of the Force Headquarters in Abuja.