9 suspects arraigned for attempted m8rder, armed robbery, illegal arms possession in Ondo

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, yesterday arraigned nine suspects before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure over alleged offences ranging from attempted m8rder, armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms to burglary, shop breaking and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.

The defendants were brought before Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni in four separate cases.

Specifically, five suspects were arraigned over the alleged attempted murder of one Akin Balogun in Akure, while four others were brought before the court on charges bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, burglary, shop breaking, stealing and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.

In the first case, Johnson Ugwa, Olorunju Dare, Alex Mrwoe, Babajide Ayomide and Sunday Michael were remanded over their alleged involvement in a conspiracy and attempted m8rder case.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired on July 25, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. along Saint Lukes Road, Akure, to inflict grievous bodily harm on Akin Balogun.

The prosecution, led by Felix O. Baba, alleged that the defendants st@bbed the victim on his hand and back with a knife.

The offences are punishable under Sections 516 and 320 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 37, Vol. I, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The prosecutor informed the court that a remand application had been filed, while the defendants, who were not represented by counsel, were ordered to be remanded.

The case was adjourned to August 21, 2026, for hearing of the remand application.

In another case, Monday Onah and David Emmanuel were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of a locally made firearm.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants committed the offences on July 5, 2026, at about 11:00 p.m. at J.P. Camp, Ala-Elefosan, Ondo State, where they allegedly robbed one Mrs. Onyeka of N1.5 million and other provisions while armed with a gun.

They were also alleged to have been found in possession of a locally made barrel gun without a valid licence.

The offences are said to contravene Section 516 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, Sections 1(1) and (2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act and Section 3, punishable under Section 27(1)(a) of the Firearms Act.

Following an application by the prosecution for their remand pending legal advice, defence counsel, M.T. Dakin, sought leave to file a counter-affidavit.

Chief Magistrate Sekoni ordered that the defendants be remanded and adjourned the matter to August 12, 2026.