19th January, 2016
Cyriacus Izuekwe
Six persons including a masquerader have been arrested and charged before a Magistrates’ Court in Ejigbo for allegedly attacking the palace of a traditional ruler in Ejigbo, Lagos State, western Nigeria.
The arraignment attracted the presence of the Oba of Ejigbo, Oba Moruf Ojoola and the residents at the court on Monday to witness the arraignment of the suspects for breach of public peace in the community.
However, they were disappointed as they did not see anyone dressed in masquerade’s costume arraigned in court.
P.M.NEWS gathered that when the police arrested the masquerader and the mask was removed, they discovered that it was Fatai Oluwa that was the masquerader allegedly causing mayhem in the area with other members of a cult called Aragamago.
Oluwa was charged with the alleged offence under the criminal Code.
Apart from Oluwa, five other persons were also charged before the court.
They are Jelili Atiku, Lasisi Muraina, Adede Goloba and two female suspects, Daramola Jelilat and Monsurat Fasola.
According to the police, the suspects on 14 January, 2016 along Ifoshi Road, Ejigbo did conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of public peace.
P.M.NEWS gathered that the group threw stones and bottles at the palace before police intervened.
The police also alleged that the suspects and others at large went round the area circulating a publication to provoke the community against the monarch and leaders of Ejigbo community.
They allegedly committed the act by using unlawful masquerade and cult called Aragamago to attack the palace of a traditional ruler in the area.
While they were allegedly pepertrating the act, the police rounded some them up, while others escaped.
The suspects arrested were charged to court where they pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs J. O. E. Adeyemi granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.
They were remanded in prison custody pending when they will perfect their bail condition.
The matter was adjourned till 1 February, 2016.
Efforts to speak to Oba Ojoola failed as he decline to speak to the press at the court.