Tension flared in Ado-Ekiti as OPC members and Okada riders clashed over the death of a ticketing officer, leading to injuries and multiple arrests. Ado-Ekiti was thrown into chaos on Thursday following a violent confrontation between members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and commercial motorcycle riders. The conflict reportedly stemmed from the alleged killing of a motorcycle ticketing officer, sparking heightened tension in the city. The clash, which lasted for nearly two hours in the morning, saw both parties wielding dangerous weapons, including cutlasses and knives, leaving several individuals injured. An eyewitness, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed that the unrest began when the commercial motorcyclists accused OPC members of being responsible for the death of their ticketing officer near the Atikankan area, a known hotspot in Ado-Ekiti. Police authorities responded swiftly to the incident, deploying the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to the scene. Six suspects were apprehended during the intervention. Confirming the development, the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, stated:“At around 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, the command received a distress call reporting a violent attack by hoodlums robbing innocent residents in the Atikankan area. Officers from the RRS were immediately deployed, leading to the arrest of six suspects who are currently under investigation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.” READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Court Grants Bail Amid Cybercrime Allegations ADO-EKITI — The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti has granted bail to human rights lawyer and activist, Mr. Dele Farotimi, following a 12-count cybercrime charge filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. Justice Babs Kuewumi ruled in favor of a N50 million bail with a surety residing in Ekiti. The court also ordered Farotimi to surrender his international passport as a condition for bail. The trial is set to resume on January 29, 2025. Case Background The charges stem from a petition filed by Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), alleging defamation in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Judicial System. Farotimi was initially arraigned at a magistrate’s court before the IGP filed a fresh suit (FHC/AD/CR/104/2024) at the Federal High Court. The defense team expressed relief over the bail ruling, with counsel Ralph Nwoke commending the court’s decision. Tensions Surrounding the Trial Meanwhile, the Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy (JABL) group warned against planned protests in Ado-Ekiti regarding the legal dispute. The group, led by Chief Michael Osaloni, criticized Farotimi and his supporters for allegedly disrupting national peace through agitation. Osaloni’s Statement:“Farotimi and others are professional protesters. They turn minor issues into chaos. If they protest in Ado-Ekiti, we are prepared to face them unless stopped by the police. Actions have consequences.” Demand for Evidence The Publicity Secretary of JABL, Rotimi Opeyeoluwa, urged Farotimi to substantiate his allegations of corruption against Aare Afe Babalola, as claimed in his book. Opeyeoluwa added:“This isn’t a case of David and Goliath. We demand evidence supporting his claims. The integrity of our legal icon, Afe Babalola, must remain untarnished.” Nationwide Protests Amid the legal proceedings, activist Omoyele Sowore called for nationwide protests in Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, and even London, further intensifying public attention on the case. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
