Ondo PDP thugs nabbed, arraigned

 
Five thugs alleged to be members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State were today (14-03-2011) arraigned before an Akure Magistrate Court on a three count charge, days after a violent spree in Ode Irele, in the Southern senatorial District of the State.

The five, Odunayo Ikujuni, Bayode Segun, Adewale Akinnubi, James Omojuwa and Akinde Adeyemi, all males were, according to the charges preferred by the Commissioner of Police, said to have conspired “to commit Felony and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 6 (a) (b) Robbery and Firearms Act Cap. R. II Laws of the Federation, 2004” with others still at large at Ojomo Roundabout Ode Irele in Okitipupa Magisterial District at about 0800hrs on the 12 th of March 2011.

They were also said to have at the same date, time and place conducted “themselves in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace by shooting gun to the air and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 425 (D) of the Criminal Code 30 Vol. II Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 1978.”

At the time they were said to have committed the offences, they were said to be in possession of “one English made single barrel gun, (2) One life cartridge and five expended empty shell of cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 3(1) Robbery and Firearms Act Cap. R. II Laws of the Federation, 2004.”

The accused, who all pleaded not guilty to the charges, were ordered to be remanded at the Olokuta Prisons till March 28 when trial will continue.

Reports say the suspects invaded Ode Irele, the serene Local Government Headquarters of Irele Local Government Area of the Southern Senatorial District where the former Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu is contesting for the Senatorial Seat, with machetes, guns and other dangerous weapons causing havoc and attacking members of other political parties.

They were said to have marched to the Divisional Police Headquarters carrying their arms aloft in a daring show of power before marching on the town, visiting violence on all known and perceived opponents. The police was said to have left them un-apprehended until they began the orgy of violence.

It will be recalled that members of the PDP in the Southern Senatorial Zone have been beating the drums of war for days on end after the party flagged off its campaign amidst songs of war in Akure the State's capital less than a month ago.

Top PDP members like former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Eddy Olafeso, former Commissioner for Works, Mr. Yele Omogunwa and others were seen making frantic telephone calls in what an observer said were attempts to avert the trial. They were also said to have made calls to Abuja after the Magistrate had ordered their remand.

President Goodluck Jonathan has been unequivocal in denouncing violence but most of his party members seem not to be concerned as they have not ceased from preaching and practicing the do-or-die type of politics.