Six individuals faced a two-year imprisonment sentence from an Ondo State High Court in Akure due to their involvement in violence and disruption of peace within the coastal community of Ayetoro, situated in the Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest of these individuals, including a self-proclaimed spiritual leader of the community, occurred on January 11, 2018, following a violent outbreak causing injuries and property damage in the riverine area. They were charged in court on ten counts related to violence and breaching peace.
Initially charged by the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Babatunde Falodun, the convicts, namely Ojagbohumi, Victor Akinluwa, Isaac Ikuyelorimi, Lawrence Lemamu, George Eyekole, and Segun Okenla, were accused of offenses against Section 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
George Eyekole faced a separate charge for attempting to murder Olu Obolo by shooting him during the crisis, contrary to Section 320 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, the court found them guilty of malicious property damage, as per Section 37 of the state’s Criminal Code.
In his ruling, Justice David Kolawole sentenced the convicts to two years with hard labor. Specifically, Eyekole received a five-year prison term with hard labor for the attempted murder during the turmoil.
The judge offered an alternative to pay a fine of N50,000, except for Eyekole, for their offenses. Additionally, they were ordered to pay N300,000 individually as compensation for the damaged property.
Kolawole emphasized that any future breach of peace in the community would hold the convicts accountable. In case of paying the fine, it would be returned if they violated the peace agreement.
