Police dock man over alleged arson in Osun

The police in Osun state on Thursday arraigned a 23-year-old man, Akinola Akinlabayo, before an Osogbo Chief Magistrate Court over alleged arson.

Akinlabayo, who is facing a 17-count charge bordering on arson, malicious damage, assault, theft, unlawful assembly and riot, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp. Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on August 24, 2018, at 10:30pm at Iwo.

Olusegun said the defendant willfully and unlawfully set ablaze the office of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other property of the police, including a patrol vehicle with registration number NPF 446D.

He said the defendant also set ablaze a Nissan Ford patrol vehicle with registration number NPF 38C, Hilux patrol vehicle with registration number SAS 05, a Volkswagen car and an SUV Ford Jeep.

“The defendant also damaged AK47 riffles, one riot gunner in the station during the incident. He also stole one LG television set, a power generator, two mattresses and two pairs of shoes belonging to one Mr. Olukoji Julius, among other things,” he said.

The prosecutor added that the defendant assaulted Sgt. Ogundipe Kolawole by hitting him with sticks, stones and his fist.

According to him, the offences contravened Sections 516, 443, 451, 356, 383, and punishable under Section 390 (9),70 and 71 of the Criminal Code of Osun state.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Risikat Olayemi, however, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 and one surety.

Olayemi said the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and have evidence of tax payment. She adjourned the case to June 27 for hearing.