On Wednesday, the family of the late Ayodele Bosede called upon the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to reassess the murder case of their deceased relative, who was allegedly killed by a suspected cultist named Imole in Owo, Ondo State in 2022.
Imole, the suspected killer, had reportedly been arrested by the police and subsequently charged with murder before the state Chief Magistrate Court. He faced a three-count charge related to the murder.
The charges against Imole included allegations of being a member of the Eiye Secret Cult, conspiracy to commit various felonies (including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism), and the actual killing of a driver named Abubakar Zakari and a Nigeria Army CPL Saidu Baba, while armed with guns and cutlasses.
Chief Magistrate A.O Adedapo did not allow the accused to enter a plea and ordered his remand, adjourning the case until the Department of Public Prosecution of the state Ministry of Justice filed its legal advice.
However, the family has revealed that the Department of Public Prosecution, in its report, recommended that there was no case to answer for all the charges against the defendant, leading to his recent release by the court.
Concerned about their safety, the family expressed fears that the freed suspect might seek revenge and target their members. Iyabo, the widow of the deceased, expressed concern about the release of the suspected cultist, stating that he had been threatening those he believed were responsible for his detention.
Iyabo emphasized the need for the Inspector General of Police to rearrest the suspect and ensure that he answers for the charges related to the killing of their family’s breadwinner. She pointed out that the death of her husband had placed a significant burden on the children and dependents of the deceased.
