Osun: 16 Fake Election Observers Docked

Sukurat Adewumi 

16 fake election observers arrested during the rerun governorship election in Osun on September 27 have been arraigned for allegedly causing breach of peace, impersonation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observers and unlawful possession of INEC materials.

The 16 accused persons, some of whom are PDP members  were docked before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court presided over by Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara on six count charges bothering on conspiracy, impersonating INEC observers, unlawful possession of INEC materials, unlawful assembly, conduct likely to cause breach of peace and disorderly conduct at governatorial election.

The accused persons include, Yakubu Moshood 48, Olaoye Ashimu 45, Raheem Taofeek 38, Oyelayo Dayo 49, Lawal Adebayo 34, Akinwunmi Tunji 28, Igbeta Stephen 34, Yinusa Sodiq 27, Segun Daramola 37, Kayode Dada 31.

Others are Adeolu Bamijoko 25, Olumide Ayansola 25 and Oladipo Samson 35, Habeeb Bashiru 22, Anishogun Charles 23 and Gbenga Olapade 35.

The prosecuting counsel, Felix Okafor told the court that the 16 accused persons and others at large committed the offence on September 27, 2018 at about 1pm at Ifon – Osun.

He hinted the court that the 16 accused persons who possess INEC materials, falsely represented themselves to be INEC observers with intent to carry out some common purpose, assembled in such a manner to cause persons in the neighborhood to fear and disturbed the peace of the society.

Okafor stated further that the 16 accused person in a disorderly manner caused breach of peace during the Osun Governorship election recently concluded in the state.

According to him, the offence contravene Section 516, Section 484,  Section 430(1), Section 69 punishable under section 70 laws of Osun State 2003 and section 128 of the electoral Act.

All the 16 defendants pleaded not guilty to all the six count charges brought against them by the police.

The Defence Counsel, Barrister Olusegun Olatoye urged the court to grant all the defendants bail in the most liberal and affordable terms, saying, granting bail is a constitutional rights of the accused.

The Presiding Magistrate,  Olusegun Ayilara  granted the oral bail application made by defence counsel and admitted all the 16 defendants to bail in the sum of N1m with one surety each.

Ayilara said the surety must sworn to affidavit of means, produce three passports photographs,  be a  well known person who resides within the court jurisdiction and must provide evidence of tax payment.

The case was adjourned to November 21 for mention.