From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Seven men accused of conspiring to set ablaze the residence of a traditional worshipper, Toyin Olorisa, on Friday appeared before the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin over the alleged offence.
The suspects, identified as Alhaji Yekini Oloruntele, Alhaji Saliu Usman, Garba Amuda Yusuf, Alhaji Mumini Showa, Imam Isiaq Raji and Alhaji Saliu Abubakar AbdulMumini Muhammed, were arraigned before Justice Mahmud Gafar. Others said to be involved in the incident are currently at large.
The defendants were brought before the court following an incident that occurred on January 1, 2026, when the bungalow of the traditional worshipper was reportedly set on fire while she was away on holiday.
Police investigations reportedly led to the arrest of the seven suspects a few days after the incident, prompting the victim to seek legal redress through her counsel, Abdulmumeen Busari of the Kwara State Ministry of Justice.
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During the proceedings, the charges were read to the defendants one after the other. According to the charge sheet, the suspects allegedly conspired to commit arson and intentionally set fire to the residence of Toyin Olorisa, an offence said to be punishable under the Kwara State Criminal Act.
All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel to the complainant urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending trial, arguing that the offence was serious and required firm judicial action. However, defence counsel, I.F. Yusuf, opposed the application, noting that the suspects had earlier been granted bail by the police.
In his ruling, Justice Mahmud Gafar agreed with the defence, stating that “since the police had earlier granted the defendants bail, the court will sustain same.”
He consequently admitted each of the defendants to bail in the sum of N2.5 million with one surety each and adjourned the matter till March 26, 2026, for further hearing.
