OSUN POLICE DISMISS ATAOJA ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, ARRAIGN SUSPECT
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Osun State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that a 26-year-old man arrested after scaling the fence of the Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace attempted to assassinate the monarch, saying investigations have found no evidence to substantiate the claim.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said preliminary investigations had been concluded into the June 3 incident involving the suspect, Semilola Monday, popularly known as “Ankara.”
According to the command, the suspect allegedly scaled the palace fence and gained unauthorized entry into the premises at about 8:45 a.m. before fleeing when confronted by residents and domestic staff.
The statement read, “Upon a report received from the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo that one adult male later identified as Semilola Odunayo Monday ‘m’ a.k.a. Ankara, aged 26 years, scaled the fence of Ataoja’s palace, Osogbo and forcibly entered the palace, he was immediately challenged by some residents/domestic staff, but he could not give reasonable excuse. Instead, he took to his heels.”
Police said the suspect sustained injuries while being chased and was subsequently taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he received treatment.
Following his recovery, the suspect reportedly admitted entering the palace unlawfully but denied harbouring any intention to attack the monarch or any other person.
“He admitted entering the palace premises through the fence. He stated further that he had no intention to assassinate or harm His Imperial Majesty or any other person. He attributed his conduct to excessive intake of substance,” the statement added.
The command further disclosed that an investigative committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Suleiman Bayonle, established that the suspect was not carrying any firearm or offensive weapon at the time of his arrest.
“The report from the committee reveals that the suspect was not in possession of a firearm or any offensive weapon at the time of his arrest,” the command stated.
According to the police, the suspect was arraigned before Magistrate Court II in Osogbo on June 8 on a charge of attempted felony and has since been remanded in a correctional facility pending further legal proceedings.
The command also called on members of the public and palace officials with additional information relevant to the case to assist investigators, noting that inquiries into the incident are still ongoing.
“The Osun State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and will not relent in its efforts to ensure that all criminal activities are brought to the lowest ebb,” the statement added.
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