Three men arraigned over alleged communal violence, illegal arms possession in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi

Three men have been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court over allegations of plotting communal violence, illegally possessing firearms and threatening to kill residents of Mamukuyomi in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The defendants, identified as Omoduyi Sunday Ekitan, 50; John Tobi, 19; and Agbede Etsede, are facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, promotion of inter-communal conflict, unlawful possession of firearms, threats to life and other related offences.

According to the prosecutor, Adeboye Suleman, the alleged offences were committed at different times between June 6 and October 31, 2026, in Mamukuyomi and its surrounding communities, where the defendants and other suspects said to be at large allegedly conspired to instigate communal violence, damage property, commit arson and unlawfully possess firearms.

In particular, Ekitan was accused of allegedly instigating an inter-community conflict against Pastor Sola Mamukuyomi and other members of his community, as well as unlawfully possessing a pump-action gun and threatening to kill Pastor Mamukuyomi, Eli Mamukuyomi, Joseph Mamukuyomi and Romoke Tiamiyu.

Similarly, Etsede and other suspects still at large were accused of threatening Ayomide Agbudeloye during a telephone conversation, allegedly warning that he would be kidnapped and killed.

The prosecution said the alleged offences contravened Sections 516, 42, 332(2) and 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006, as well as Section 3(1) of the Firearms Act. Meanwhile, the defendants were represented by O.J. Ogundaisi and A.O. Odidiomo.

Following the arraignment, the presiding magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, adjourned the case until November 13, 2026, for the hearing of an application.

The defendants are yet to be convicted of the charges against them, which remain allegations before the court.