Seven suspects, on Friday, appeared before a Kwara State high court in Ilorin charged with alleged arson on the house of a traditional worshipper, Toyin Asabi Olorisa.
The suspects were identified as Alhaji Yekini Oloruntele, Alhaji Saliu Usman, Garba Amuda Yusuf, Alhaji Mumini Showa, Imam Isiaq Raji, Alhaji Saliu Abubakar AbdulMumini Muhamed, among others said to be at large.
The suspects appeared before Justice Mahmud Gafar of the state High Court, Ilorin.
DAILY POST recalls that on January 1, 2026, a bungalow belonging to the traditional worshipper, Toyin Asabi Olorisa, was allegedly set ablaze, while she was away on holiday.
Findings indicated that the operatives of the state police command arrested seven suspects in connection with the development barely few days after the incident.
The victim had reportedly dragged the suspects before the court through his counsel, Abdulmumeen Busari, of the state ministry of Justice.
During Friday proceedings, the court read the charge sheets against the seven suspects one after another.
The charges read: “That on January 1, 2026, you, Alhaji Yekini Oloruntele, Alhaji Saliu Usman, Garba Amuda Yusuf, Alhaji Mumini Showa, Imam Isiaq Raji, Alhaji Saliu Abubakar AbdulMumini Muhammed, and others at large, conspired to commit the arson.
“That you intentionally set fire on the residence of Toyin Asabi Olorisa, and burnt her house.
“Consequently, you committed a punishable offence under the state criminal act.”
However, the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel to the traditional worshipper asked the court to remand the suspects in the correctional facility, while one of the counsels to the suspects, I. F. Yusuf, on behalf of others, opposed the application.
After the argument between the prosecution and defence counsels, Justice Mahmud Gafar, granted the suspects bail, “since the police had earlier granted them bail”.
He granted each suspect bail in sum of N2.5million and one surety, while the case was adjourned to March 26, 2026.
