Seven suspects appeared before a Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Friday, charged with alleged arson at the house of a traditional worshiper, 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 who are said to be at large.
The suspects appeared before Justice Mahmud Gafar of the Ilorin State High Court.
Newslodge recalls that on January 1, 2026, a bungalow belonging to traditional worshiper Toyin Asabi Olorisa was allegedly set on fire while she was on vacation.
According to the findings, officers of the state police command arrested seven suspects in connection with the incident a few days after the incident.
The victim had reportedly dragged the suspects to court through his lawyer Abdulmumeen Busari of the state Ministry of Justice.
During Friday’s proceedings, the court read out 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 to the residence of Toyin Asabi Olorisa and burned his house.
“Accordingly, you committed a crime punishable under state criminal law.”
However, the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The traditional devotee’s lawyer asked the court to send the suspects to a correctional facility, while one of the suspects’ lawyers, IF Yusuf, on behalf of others, opposed the request.
Following discussion between the prosecution and defense lawyers, Judge Mahmud Gafar granted bail to the suspects, “as the police had previously granted them bail.”
He granted each suspect N2.5 million bail and one surety while the case was adjourned to March 26, 2026.