In a recent ruling at the Ondo State High Court in Akure, six individuals have been sentenced to two years in prison for their involvement in violence and breach of peace within the coastal community of Ayetoro, situated in the Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The convicted individuals are Oluwambe Ojagbohunmi, self-proclaimed spiritual leader of the community, along with Victor Akinluwa, Isaac Ikuyelorimi, Lawrence Lemamu, George Eyekole, and Segun Okenla. They were apprehended by the police on January 11, 2018, following an outbreak of violence in the riverine community, resulting in injuries and property damage.
Initially facing a 10-count charge related to violence and breach of peace, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Babatunde Falodun, presented a case against the accused individuals. The charges were based on Section 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
Notably, George Eyekole faced an additional charge of attempted murder, accused of shooting Olu Obolo with a gun during the crisis. This charge was in violation of Section 320 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
Despite pleading not guilty, the court found the individuals guilty of malicious damage to property, as per Section 37 of the Criminal Code. Justice David Kolawole delivered the verdict, sentencing them to two years in prison with hard labor. Eyekole received an additional five-year sentence for the attempted murder charge.
With an option for a fine of N50,000, excluding Eyekole, the judge also mandated each convict to pay N300,000 as compensation for the damaged property. Notably, if they choose to pay the fine and later breach the peace accord, the suspended prison term would be reinstated, and the fine refunded by the government.
This legal action serves as a response to the violence in Ayetoro, sending a clear message about the consequences of such actions. The judgment aims to maintain peace within the community and holds the convicted individuals accountable for any future breach.
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