Man, 29, Faces Murder Charge For Jungle Justice Meted On Thief

MICHAEL AKINOLA

A 29-year old man, Aliu Oladeji, has been arrested and charged before the Court for allegedly beating a suspected thief, one Sodiq, to death during a failed operation. 

An Iyaganku Magistrates Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday ordered Oladeji to be remanded in a custodial centre for murder for allegedly beating the suspected thief, Sodiq, to death. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that Oladeji, who resides in the Ayedaade area of Ibadan in Oyo State, was charged with conspiracy and murder for causing the death of Sodiq caught for stealing. 

The Magistrate, I. O. Osho, who did not take the plea of Oladeji, ordered that he should be remanded in the Abolongo Custodial Centre, Oyo town, pending legal advice.

She directed the Police to return the case file to the Oyo State Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and adjourned the matter to 4th July, 2022, for report of the DPP to be available. 

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Inspector Foluke Adedosu, told the Court that Oladeji conspired with others in the area to commit the offence.

Adedosu said Oladeji on 4th March, 2022, around 2.30am, caused the death of one Sodiq, when he beat him up.
According to him, the offence is contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Sections 319 and 324 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

The Police alleged that the defendant and others at large attacked Sodiq after he was caught for stealing. And instead of handing him over to the Police, they started beating him. During the beating, he slumped and died in the process. 

The defendant risks several years of imprisonment if he is tried and found guilty before the Court for alleged murder. But that will be after the conclusion by the DPP on the matter, which may likely recommend for his trial at the High Court for the alleged offence.