Man arraigned over alleged assault, breach of peace during Ondo festival

By Boye Oyeyemi

A 35-year-old man, Tosin Omolafe, has been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court over an alleged assault during the Agbon Festival in Oba-Ile, Ondo State.

Omolafe was brought before the court on a three-count charge bordering on alleged grievous assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The prosecutor, Augustine Omhenimhen, told the court that the incident occurred around 9 a.m. on July 29 during the annual Agbon Festival in Oba-Ile.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant allegedly attacked one Kayode Olatunji with a broken bottle, inflicting injuries beneath his left arm and on his right finger without lawful justification.

Omhenimhen also alleged that the defendant engaged in a public fight during the festival, an act said to have disrupted the celebration and threatened public peace.

He said the alleged offences contravened Sections 335 and 249(D) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006, adding that the prosecution intends to call four witnesses in support of its case.

In his argument, the defence counsel, Ayo Adeboye, did not oppose the prosecution’s request for an adjournment but urged the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms to enable him prepare his defence.

In his ruling, Magistrate Taiwo Lebi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like amount and adjourned the case for further hearing.