Man arraigned for threatening to burn monarch’s palace

A 67-year-old man who allegedly threatened to burn the palace of the Oni Isheri of Isheri Olofin in Alimosho Local Government Area, Oba Wahab Ayinde Balogun, was Wednesday charged with arson before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court.

The accused person, Shamsideen Adebimpe, is standing trial before Chief Magistrate O.O. Oshin over alleged conspiracy, breach of peace, arson, threat to life and contempt of court.

According to the police, Adebimpe and others said to be at large, committed the alleged offences between June 2012 and September 2017, at Isheri Olofin.

In a charge marked A/5/2018, Prosecuting Inspector Stephen Molo said the defendant and his accomplices “mobilised hoodlums to sing inciting songs and rain abuses on His Royal Majesty, Oba Wahab Ayinde Balogun. They caused to be published and circulated, publications in newspapers and leaflets which were likely to provoke and bring disaffection on the residents of Isheri Olofin Kingdom. On the same date and place, with intent to intimidate and annoy Oba, Wahab Ayinde Balogun, his family members and subjects, the defendant threatened to burn down his palace.”

According to him, Adebimpe, “without lawful excuse, disobeyed the lawful judgment of Hon Justice L. B. Lawal-Akapo in suit No:1D/488/80, delivered on May 15, 2012 by trespassing and illegally selling the land of Isheri Olofin Kingdom.”

Adebimpe pleaded not guilty. His counsel, Mrs P. Nwanna applied for his bail on liberal terms. She added: “Most of the counts are just a ploy to throw the defendant in jail.”

In a ruling, Chief Magistrate Oshin granted Adebimpe N500,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum, and adjourned the case to March 12.