Ogun Traditional Ruler Remanded In Prison Over Viral Video
The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre in Ogun State after failing to fulfil his bail conditions.
This was confirmed to newsmen by the spokesperson for the correctional facility, Yinka Odukoya on Wednesday.
Odukoya stated that the monarch remained in custody as he had yet to perfect his bail.
“Yes, he is in our custody, which means he has been unable to meet the bail conditions granted by the court yesterday. However, as soon as he does, he will be released,” he was quoted by PUNCH.
It was reported on Monday that the police invited the defendant after a viral video captured one of the monarch’s aides snatching the elderly man’s cap as he knelt disoriented.
Another aide had struck him from behind, despite his polite attempts to ask what he had done wrong.
The traditional ruler was heard insulting and hurling abuses at the elderly man, accusing him of betraying his rulership.
The monarch was subsequently arraigned by the Nigerian Police Force on Tuesday.
A statement issued by The Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi accused the traditional ruler of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The charge read: “That Abdul-Semiu ‘m’ and others at large, on 21st January 2025, at about 1100 hrs at Sojuolu Street, Ifo Magisterial District, did conspire to commit a misdemeanour, to wit: assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.
“That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others now at large, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did unlawfully assault one Areola Abraham by slapping him on the face and ear, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.
“That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others at large, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by forcing one Areola Abraham ‘m’ to kneel down and assaulting him in public, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.”
The accused, who appeared before Magistrate F. A. Iroko, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
The court granted him bail with two sureties in the sum of N5m each, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The case was adjourned to March 6 for a hearing.
