Court arraigns 40-year-old man over Ondo chief’s murder

By Boye Oyeyemi

A 40-year-old man, Stephen Odokpolo, has been arraigned before an Ondo State Magistrate’s Court over the alleged murder of a traditional chief, Akinwalere Akinola, in Ayeka community, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.

Odokpolo was charged in connection with the death of the 48-year-old chief, who was allegedly shot during the burial ceremony of another traditional ruler on October 5, 2026.

The prosecutor, Inspector D.O. Ifidon, told the court that the defendant allegedly shot Akinola with a gun at about 10 a.m. in Ayeka, resulting in his death.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offence contravenes Section 316 of the Criminal Code and is punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume I, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

Ifidon urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending legal advice from the director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He also told the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the application.

However, defence counsel, Amos Ilori, said he had not been served with the remand application. He therefore requested time to respond after receiving the necessary documents.

In his ruling, Magistrate O. Omotosho directed the prosecution to serve the defence with the application and adjourned the case until October 29, 2026, for further proceedings.

The court ordered that Odokpolo remain in police custody pending the determination of the remand application.