By Rafiyat Sadiq
Residents of Ahoro-Afin in Ifon-Osun, Orolu Local Government Area, have protested an alleged move to grant bail to two men standing trial for ritual killing.
The suspects, Tajudeen Oderinde and Mojeed Alani, are accused of murdering Lukman Akorede, whose mutilated body was discovered in March 2025.
Community leaders expressed concern that the accused might escape justice if released. In a statement on Monday, they appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Adepele Ojo, to intervene and ensure transparency in the trial.
Coordinator of the Concerned Citizens of Orolu Kingdom, Adejumo Adewumi, told journalists that the community had petitioned the National Judicial Council and the Federal Ministry of Justice.
He warned against what he described as attempts to commercialise justice.
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Adewumi also called on civil society organisations and international human rights groups to monitor the case, while urging the police to intensify efforts to apprehend other suspects still at large.
“Justice must not be buried in technicalities or corruption. Every person involved in this barbaric act must face prosecution,” he said.
Recounting the killing, Adewumi described it as gruesome, saying the victim’s head, limbs, private parts and vital organs were removed. He alleged that Oderinde and Alani were arrested based on eyewitness testimony, while other accomplices fled.
The case, before Osun State High Court 4, reportedly took a new twist during the court’s annual vacation. Community members alleged that some individuals from Ilobu attempted to secure bail for the accused through a vacation judge, Justice S.O. Oke, despite opposition from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Adewumi further alleged that one of the accused, Alani, had previously been arrested for murder in 2023, granted bail in February 2025, and linked to another killing barely a month later.
The community warned that the development had created fear and anger among residents.
“This action emboldens evil-doers and demoralises law-abiding citizens. We cannot remain silent while justice is being mocked in our land,” Adewumi declared.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
