A Chief Magistrate Court in the Isabo area of Abeokuta has sentenced five Egba chiefs to six months in prison for damaging a sealed letter and removing caution tape placed on the Ogboni Igbore House by the Abeokuta South local government. The convicted chiefs are Anthony Ogunseye (55, Apena of Igbore), Ajasa Enisemo (67), Saheed Sanusi (50), Oludotun Oliyide (60), and Fatai Mutairu (63).
The court found them guilty of conspiracy, malicious damage, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and stealing. Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. E. O. Ogunyemi, stated that the prosecution had proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Each chief was sentenced to six months in prison with the option of paying a fine of ₦50,000 each.
Prosecutor Insp. Olaide Rawlings told the court that the defendants committed the offense on March 21, 2023, at about 12:15 p.m. at the Ogboni House in the Igbore area of Abeokuta. The chiefs were accused of conspiring to damage a sealed letter pasted by the Abeokuta South local government on the Ogboni House walls, doors, and windows.
The prosecutor explained that the house was sealed for security reasons following a crisis over a chieftaincy title. She added that the chiefs acted in a way likely to cause a breach of peace by removing the caution tape and stealing two billboards fixed to the doors of the building by the local government.
The prosecutor noted that their actions violated sections 451, 516, 249(d), and 383 of the Criminal Code, Vol. II, Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
