Kwara court remands herbalist, accomplice over rape, arson

A Kwara State Magistrate Court in Ilorin has directed the remand of an Ibadan-based herbalist, Sultan Ojuwoni, also known as Atakoro, and his accomplice, Olaitan Ibrahim Olalekan, at the Federal Correctional Service Centre, Oke-Kura, Ilorin, until January 17, 2024.

The Kwara State Police Command brought charges against Atakoro and Olalekan for the alleged rape and arson of a 21-year-old girl identified as Firdaus Jimoh.

As per the Police First Information Report, Atakoro purportedly serially raped and set fire to 21-year-old Jimoh in his shrine in Ibadan, Oyo State. He allegedly collaborated with Olalekan and one Omowumi and her children, who are currently at large.

The suspects face charges of criminal conspiracy, unlawful trial by ordeal, rape, causing grievous bodily harm by dangerous means, and attempt to commit culpable homicide, contravening Sections 97, 214, 283, and 229 of the Penal Code Law.

Magistrate Kolawole Aluko, who refrained from taking the plea of the suspects when the FIR was presented, declared that the court lacked jurisdiction to address the charges. However, he considered the arguments of the prosecution and counsel for the second defendant. Subsequently, he ordered the remand of the suspects and adjourned the case until January 17, 2024, for mention, emphasizing that the offenses were not ordinarily bailable.