*10 Arraigned Over Alleged Assassination Attempt on Igoba Monarch, Attack on Residents*
Ten suspects have been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Akure, over a violent attack on the Igoba community, including an alleged assassination attempt on the traditional ruler, Oba Adinlewa John, the Obaloogun of Igoba land.
The accused — Seun Bankole (46), Alo Tolulope (32), Kolawole Kazeem (35), Seriki Lateef (35), Bankole Tobi (25), Sunday Amigun (32), Ayodele Saka (34), Adedayo Ogidan (43), Olaoluwa Kayode (26), and Ezekiel Vincent (31) — were brought before Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni on Monday.
They are facing multiple charges including illegal possession of firearms, dangerous weapons, and an attempt to assassinate the monarch of Igoba, a town in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to the Ondo State Police Command, the suspects were arrested following a coordinated attack on the community on Thursday, October 2, 2025, around 11:30 a.m.
A police statement revealed that the gang, armed with locally fabricated pistols, a single-barrel gun, live ammunition, knives, machetes, charms, and other weapons, stormed the town, leaving residents terrified.
During the attack, Mrs. Ogunoye Oluomo, a resident, was seriously injured and dispossessed of her belongings.
The attackers allegedly proceeded to the palace of Oba Adinlewa John, where they made a failed attempt on the monarch’s life. The royal father reportedly escaped narrowly from the onslaught.
Upon receiving a distress called, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, immediately deployed a tactical team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations).
The operation led to the arrest of ten suspects, who, according to police sources, have confessed to their involvement in the attack.
Following their arraignment, Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni ordered the suspects to be transferred to the Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit to allow their counsel adequate access and preparation for defense.
The court proceedings were witnessed by Barr. Jimoh Famoritiye Adeniji, counsel representing the Igoba community.
The case was adjourned to Friday, October 10, 2025, for further hearing.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has assured residents that normalcy has been restored to Igoba and security presence in the area has been intensified.
Commissioner Lawal warned criminal elements to desist from violence, stating that anyone caught will face the full weight of the law.