Police arraign 22 for attempted murder in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command on Monday arraigned 22 suspected transport workers who were allegedly involved in the clash between members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria and National Union of Road Transport Workers on Friday.

The clash caused frightened commuters and members of the public to scamper for safety as dangerous weapons were used in the fight.

An eyewitness said gunshots were heard while the fight lasted in Monatan area, which was one of the trouble spots.

Among the suspects arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates Court in Ibadan were Modasiru Moraina 48; Sikuru Olaiwola, 22; Oyebanji Kabiru, 23; Alade Busari, 28; Lateef Afeez, 29; Safiu Abass, 25; Tunde Saka, 21; Mumini Ganiyu, 40; and Ahmed Moshood, 25.

Others are Aminu Saibu, 37; Tunde Ajayi, 23; Lukmon Rasheed, 31; Abudulahi Olode, 35; Yekini Aliu, 26; Akibu Kazeem, 40; Muideen Anifowose, 27; Mustapha Ogunjide, 30, Oladipo Sakiru, 53; Sunday Aromolaran, 25; Peter Adekunle, 34; Adesina Alaba, 23; and Raheem Musa, 42.

They were arrainged on six counts of conspiracy, attempted murder, unlawful possession of criminal charms and acts in a disorderly manner.

In the charge sheet, the accused persons were alleged to have on July 8, 2016 attempted to kill one Kazeem Oguntolu, 42, with a cutlass.

The first two counts of conspiracy and attempted murder were, however, not read to the defendants and no pleas were taken for the two charges.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to each of the other charges of unlawful possession and acts likely to cause breach of public peace in the metropolis.

The magistrate, Mrs. A. F. Richard, adjourned the case till Tuesday (today) for ruling on bail application and directed they be continued to be remanded at the Iyaganku Police Station.