Five Remanded Over Alleged Ritual Attack on Teen in Osun

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has ordered the detention of five suspects standing trial over an alleged ritual attack on a 16-year-old boy in Ikire.

The suspects were arraigned following investigations into an incident involving Farouq Abdulahi Taiwo, a Primary Six pupil who reportedly escaped an attempt on his life.

Those arraigned before the court are:

• Awotunde Saudat

• Muyideen Olutoki

• Fatai Abiodun

• Usman Ademola

• Ismaila Abiodun

They are facing charges of conspiracy and attempted murder in connection with the alleged attack.

During the court session, all five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them by the police.

The presiding judge, Justice Ayilara, ordered that the accused persons be remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centrepending further legal processes.

Court records indicate that the case has now been transferred to the Chief Magistrate Court in Ikire, where it is listed under charge number MOS/SSA CID/15c/2025.

According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleges that:

• The defendants conspired on July 25, 2025, in the Ako area of Awotedo, to commit a felony

• The alleged offence is contrary to Section 324 of the Criminal Code of Osun State

A second count alleges that the defendants attempted to unlawfully kill the victim, an offence said to be punishable under Section 320 of the same law.

It is important to note that the allegations remain before the court, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

When the matter came up before Magistrate M. A. Ojo in Ikire on Thursday, January 15, proceedings were adjourned to January 21.

The adjournment was granted to allow the defence team time to file a formal bail application.

One of the defence counsel, Chief Abimbola Ige, informed the court that the application would be submitted on the next adjourned date.

Reacting to the development, Alhaji Musbaudeen Daud, who spoke on behalf of the victim’s family, expressed concern over the frequency of similar cases in the area.

He appealed to the Osun State Government to ensure the matter is thoroughly handled.

“We want the intervention of the government on this issue so that the matter will not be swept under the carpet,” he told the court.