Ife crisis: Arraignment of traditional ruler, 5 other suspects stalled

THE much-anticipated arraignment of Ife traditional ruler, Oba Ademiluyi Ademola and five other suspects arrested in connection with the recent clash between the Yoruba and Hausa community in Sabo area of Ile-Ife before an Osogbo High Court could not hold on Tuesday.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the suspects, who were brought to the court premises yesterday in a Toyota Hiace Bus, would be arraigned today.

They were supposed to be arraigned yesterday before Justice Kudirat Akano at High Court 5 Osogbo but postponed till today because the consent of the court was not sought before the suspects were brought to the court by the police.

A high-ranking court official, who pleaded anonymity said “the suspects were brought to court today (Tuesday) and everything was set for their arraignment, but the consent of the court had not been taken and so, their arraignment was postponed.”

The suspects, who were brought from the Police Headquarters in Abuja, were later taken away in the same vehicle after their arraignment could not hold.

It will be recalled that the commission of enquiry set up by the state governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, to look into the causes of the crisis had already begun  sitting.

The crisis occurred on March 8, 2017 in which many lives were lost and property worth millions of naira destroyed.