Crime
Suspended Oba Ogunjobi Remanded In Custody Over Viral Assault Incident
The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre after failing to meet his bail conditions.
Yinka Odukoya, spokesperson for the correctional facility, confirmed on Wednesday that the monarch remained in custody because he had yet to fulfill the bail requirements set by the court.
“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,” Odukoya said
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Oba Ogunjobi was arraigned by the Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday in connection with a viral video showing him assaulting Abraham Areola, a 73-year-old man.
According to the charge sheet (MH2b8c/2025), the suspended monarch faces charges of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The charge reads:
“That Abdul-Semiu ‘m’ and others at large, on 21st January 2025, at about 11:00 hrs at Sojuolu Street, Ifo, 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, 2006.”
“That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others now at large, on the same date, time, and place, 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, 2006.”
“That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others at large, on the same date, time, and place, did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by forcing one Areola Abraham 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, 2006.”
The accused monarch pleaded not guilty to all charges when he appeared before Magistrate F. A. Iroko, who granted him bail with two sureties in the sum of ₦5 million each, with the sureties required to reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The case has been adjourned to March 6, 2025 for further hearing.
Recall that a viral video showing Ogunjobi assaulting Areola sparked outrage across social media.
In the two-minute footage, Areola is seen kneeling on the road as Ogunjobi berates him with insults, accusing him of conspiring against him and his family.
The monarch, a retired police officer, also boasted about his connections in law enforcement, threatening to have Areola imprisoned.
At one point, Ogunjobi’s aide was seen striking the elderly man and ordering him to prostrate before the monarch.
Following the incident, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ogun State commended the state government for swiftly suspending Ogunjobi.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Solomon Bankole, the CSOs condemned the assault and called for the full prosecution of the monarch.
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ogun State also praised the government and the police for their prompt action.
PCRC Chairman, Samson Kunle Popoola, called for the arrest of the aide who struck Areola and reassured the public of the committee’s impartial stance on human rights issues.
Oba Ogunjobi remains at the Ilaro Correctional Centre, awaiting the fulfillment of his bail conditions.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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