7youths Thrown In Prison Over Attack On Gov Segun Mimiko’s Convoy

The fallout of Thursday protest at the Ondo State House of Assembly along Igbatoro road in Akure, the state capital has landed seven youths at the Olokuta Medium Prison.

They were nabbed by security operatives during the protest for allegedly attacking the convoy of the state Governor, Olusegun Mimiko.

Mimiko attempted to enter the Assembly with lawmakers loyal to him to present the 2017 budget.

The youths, who  were arraigned at Akure ‎Magistrate court at Oke-Eda were Tunde Alabi (28), Abiola Eniola (27), Yusuf Muhammed (25), Olanrewaju Olomolotan (40), Adeniyi  Michael (30), Samson Omodara (20) and Ijalade Oluwaseun(27).
Since last week Friday, the Assembly have been enmeshed with crisis following the removal of Hon.

Jumoke Akindele and other principal officers by 14 lawmakers over alleged N15million‎ fraud.

The aggrieved lawmakers, immediately appointed Hon. Malachi Coker as the acting speaker, Hon. Ayodele Arowele deputy and Hon. George Olamide as the Majority.

Despite her impeachment, Akindele and other embattled principal officers have been laying claim to the leadership of the house.

But since on Monday, Coker’s faction had been hoding their plenary sessions at the Assembly Complex.

While the warring lawmakers are struggling over whose faction is the authentic, some youths have taken over the entrance of the Assembly since on Sunday protesting against Mimiko decision to present the 2017 budget and some bills few days to the end of his tenure.

The protest went out of hand on Thursday, when they were alleged to have blocked the road and also attack the convoy of Mimiko.

Those arrested during the protest were charged with four count charges: felony,  public disturbance,  unlawful assemble and public damage.

The police prosecutor,  Inspector Martins Olowofeso told the court that the accused persons have committed punishable offence  under section 219 of the criminal code cap 36 laws of the Ondo state of Nigeria.

Inspector Olowofeso however prayed the court to remand them at Olokuta prison for enable him to further investigate the case and brought other suspect to court saying there are still other people now at large.

But counsel to the seven accused persons,  Mr. Femi Adetoye urged the court to grant them bail on most liberal term,  saying that the offences committed were bail able one.

Adetoye also said that his clients would not jump bail and they are ready to provide reliable sureties if bail granted to them.

In her ruling,  the presiding magistrate Victoria Bob-Manuel ordered the seven accused persons to be remanded at Olokuta prison custody and adjourned the case till 22nd February,  2017 for mention.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph confirmed that the Assembly has been sealed off again.

He said the police is ready to reopen the Assembly if the lawmakers are ready to bury their grievances and assure that their won’t be a break down of law and order.

thenation