By Remilekun Oyelowo
The Chief Magistrate Court 4 in Osogbo has ordered the remand of two suspects, Wale Sodiq (41) and Abiodun Olohunwa (45), at the Ilesa Correctional Center following their arraignment for conspiracy, burglary, and theft.
This two earlier this month were paraded by Osun Amotekun Corps in Osogbo. In a statement made available to Journalists by Yusuf Idowu Abass, Public Relations Officer, Osun Amotekun Corps.
The ruling was made on Friday, November 29, 2024, after the suspects were charged with unlawfully entering a residence in the Ogo-Oluwa Area, Zone 2, Ede, and stealing valuable property.*
The charges against the duo stem from an incident that occurred recently when they allegedly broke into an uncompleted building owned by one Muritala Fawaz, where they reportedly stole five cartons of tiles, five bags of Dangote Cement, and a tiles cutting machine. The total worth of the stolen items was cited as significant, underscoring the gravity of their actions, which violated sections 516A and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34 of the Osun State Laws.
During the court proceedings, Magistrate Daramola presided over the case as the charges were read to the suspects. Both men admitted to conspiring together to commit the crime, a confession that was made in the courtroom, highlighting their acknowledgment of guilt. This admission played a crucial role in the court’s decision to remand them in custody pending further legal proceedings.
The case was brought before the court following a swift investigation by the Osun Amotekun Corps, a local security outfit renowned for its proactive approach to crime prevention and community safety. After receiving a formal complaint regarding the burglary, the operatives acted promptly, leading to the suspects’ arrest. Initially, Sodiq and Olohunwa managed to abscond from the crime scene but were tracked down to a hideout where the stolen items were recovered.
During subsequent interrogations, both Sodiq and Olohunwa admitted their involvement in the latest burglary and further revealed that they had a history of such criminal activities. They confessed that this was not their first offense and that they had previously managed to evade arrest, raising concerns about repeat offenders in the community.
In her ruling, Magistrate Daramola emphasized the importance of accountability in deterring crime, asserting that the legal system serves as a critical means for maintaining law and order. The magistrate’s remarks underscored the commitment to ensuring that criminal activities do not go unpunished and that offenders face the consequences of their actions.
The remand of Sodiq and Olohunwa serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies, particularly the Osun Amotekun Corps, to combat rising crime rates and maintain safety within the region. The case reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that those who violate the law are brought to justice.
The legal proceedings will continue, with the next hearing scheduled for January 24, 2025. This case not only highlights the challenges of crime in the community but also the essential role of vigilance and community cooperation in fostering a safer environment for all residents.
