Man Faces Trial For Disruption Of Peace, Attempted Murder on Police In Osun 

By JP Ashedzi

A 40-year-old man, Saheed Kareem, is facing trial before a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy, felony, attempted murder and serious assault.

Kareem was said to be one of the hoodlums who allegedly ambushed a police team deployed to Ilobu and Ifon communities during a communal clash between the two communities.

The hoodlums were said to have opened fire on the officers and also set their patrol vehicle ablaze.

The suspect was accused of conspiring with others at large over the attempt to murder the Divisional Police Officer of Ilobu, SP Akanmu Adebowale; and six other police officers by shooting them and setting their vehicle on fire during the Ilobu and Ifon-Osun communal clashes which occurred from September 17 to October 4, 2023.

It was gathered that seven security agents sustained varying degrees of injuries and while some have been treated and discharged from the hospital, others were said to still be on admission.

The Police Prosecutor, ASP Elisha Olusegun, identified other officers who were shot as ASP Aborisade Oluyemi, Sgt. Adeleke Damilare, ASP Saidu Jimoh, Inspector Ake Gbenga, Cpl Makanjuola Omisore and PC. Rauf Sheriffdeen.

Kareem was also accused of attacking residents of the two communities during the land boundary clash that claimed about eight lives and also destroyed property including houses and shops.

Several houses and shops were set ablaze by the hoodlums, while many residents of the communities were displaced during the attack.