Five Ogun Chiefs Sentenced To Six Months In Jail For Breach Of Peace
A Chief Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, has sentenced five chiefs from Igbore in Ogun State to six months imprisonment for maliciously damaging sealed letters and removing caution tape placed by the Abeokuta South Local Government on the Ogboni Igbore House.
The court, presided over by Magistrate E.O. Ogunyemi, gave the convicts an option of paying a fine of ₦50,000 each.
The convicted chiefs include:
- Anthony Ogunseye (55), the Apena of Igbore
- Ajasa Enisemo (67)
- Saheed Sanusi (50)
- Oludotun Oliyide (60)
- Fatai Mutairu (63)
They were found guilty of a four-count charge of conspiracy, malicious damage, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and theft. The charges contravene Sections 451, 516, 249(d), and 383 of the Criminal Code, Volume II, Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Magistrate Ogunyemi stated, “The prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused are guilty as charged. The evidence presented by the prosecutor is tenable, and I therefore sentence each of the chiefs to six months imprisonment, with an option of a ₦50,000 fine each.”
Prosecutor Inspector Olaide Rawlings informed the court that the incident occurred on March 21, 2023, at around 12:15 p.m. at the Ogboni House in Igbore.
The chiefs were accused of conspiring to damage the sealed letters affixed to the walls, doors, and windows of the Ogboni House by the Abeokuta South Local Government.
Rawlings explained that the Ogboni House was sealed for security reasons due to a crisis over a chieftaincy title within the community. The chiefs reportedly removed caution tape placed on the property and stole two billboards mounted on the doors by the local government.
The prosecutor argued that the actions of the chiefs were deliberate and constituted a breach of public peace, violating the stated sections of the Criminal Code.
The court’s decision highlights the importance of respecting lawful actions by authorities and maintaining peace within communities. The convicted chiefs were given the opportunity to pay fines to avoid serving their prison terms.
