Four susepcts, Ebenezer Faluru (27), Onome Oghenekevwe (28), Sanya Alufoge (31), and Folorunso Dada (42) have been discharged and acquited over the murder of two policemen
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Lekan Ogunmoye of Ado- Ekiti High Court on September 28, 2021 on nine counts of conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, assault occasioning harm, riot, unlawful possession of firearms and arson.
They were also accused of attempted murder of Oba Edward Jaiyeola, the Arajaka of Igbara-Odo Ekiti, assaulted Sgt. Kehinde Sulyman, and conducted themselves in a riotous manner while in possession of an AK47 rifle.
The defendants were also alleged to have destroyed a Toyota Jeep, Toyota Camry and the Palace of Oba Edward Jaiyeola.
The offences, the prosecution Counsel, Mr Dolapo Oyewole, said, contravened Sections 516, 319, 320, 355, 71 and 451 of the Criminal Code Cap. C16, Laws of Ekiti State of Nigeria, 2012.
And also Section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The defendants, represented by their counsel, Christopher Omokhafe and Adefolaju Ayobioloja, in their own defence, denied knowing anything about the offences committed and called nine witnesses to prove their innocence.
In his judgment, Justice Ogunmoye said that there was no proof before the court that the defendants met together before, during and after the incident and agreed to commit the offence of murder.
The judge ruled that, “In all, the prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt against the defendants in any of the counts, thus, implying that the sole issue for determination must be resolved in their favor.
The defendants were subsequently discharged and acquitted.
