Police Pursue Ogun Monarch’s Accomplices in Assault Case
The Ogun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the accomplices of the suspended Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, who is currently being prosecuted for assaulting a 73-year-old chief, Areola Abraham.
Ogunjobi was arraigned on Tuesday before an Ifo Magistrate Court on three charges: conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The case, which has drawn widespread public attention, was confirmed in a statement by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to Adejobi, “The Kabiyesi Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, who assaulted an elderly man in a viral video in Ifo, Ogun State, has been charged in court today, February 4, 2025, on three counts of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. He was granted bail while the case was adjourned to March 6, 2025.”
Providing an update on the case, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, stated that the police are actively searching for Ogunjobi’s accomplices. “A manhunt is underway for Olukosi and others who are still at large. They will be arrested and brought to justice,” she affirmed.
Public outrage over the incident erupted after a video surfaced online showing the traditional ruler verbally and physically assaulting Chief Arinola. The two-minute clip depicted Arinola kneeling on the road while Ogunjobi cursed him and his family, accusing him of conspiracy. The monarch, reportedly a retired police officer, also boasted about his influence over law enforcement and threatened to imprison the chief. In the video, another man accompanying Ogunjobi was seen slapping Arinola and ordering him to prostrate before the monarch.
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Following the widespread condemnation, the Ogun State Government on Monday announced the suspension of Ogunjobi for six months. According to a statement by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, the decision was made due to the monarch’s “uncivil conduct not befitting an Oba.”
The suspension followed an inquiry by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, who had summoned both Oba Ogunjobi and Chief Arinola for questioning.
The police have assured the public that justice will be served, with Adejobi emphasizing the force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining professional integrity. Investigations into the matter are ongoing as law enforcement officials continue their search for the remaining suspects.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://newscentral.africa/
