Following their arraignment at the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, twelve out of the 25 students from Ajayi Crowther University faced with murder charges found themselves acquitted on Monday.
These students, initially brought before the court on June 5, were accused of conspiracy, murder, and negligence.
Remanded in an Ibadan correctional facility pending legal advice, the twelve students—Kehinde Martins, Samuel Okorie, Mustapha Khalid, Yusuf Adeniran, Joseph Areoye, Iyanuoluwa Oyelakin, Obaloluwa Olalekan, Emmanuel Adejumobi, John Daudu, Moses Abiola, Hammad Tijani, and David Kolawole—were cleared based on advice indicating a lack of evidence linking them to the alleged crimes.
Femi Oladoye, a university security guard charged initially with negligence of duty, was granted bail in the amount of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.
According to CSP Funke Fawole, the prosecutor, the alleged offences took place on May 24 at the university premises, where the defendants were accused of fatally assaulting 22-year-old Jefry Akro using planks and electrical wire.
She further alleged that Oladoye, in his role as a security guard, failed to prevent the assault on Akro, as stipulated by Sections 516, 515, and 324 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
