A 40-year-old man, Stephen Odokpolo, has been arraigned before an Ondo State Magistrate’s Court over the alleged murder of a traditional chief, Akinwalere Akinola, in Ayeka community, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.
Odokpolo is facing a one-count charge of murder following an incident that allegedly occurred on October 5, 2026, during the burial rites of another traditional ruler in the community.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly shot Akinola, 48, with a firearm at about 10:00 a.m. in Ayeka, resulting in the traditional chief’s death.
The prosecution, led by Inspector D.O. Ifidon, told the court that the alleged offence contravened Section 316 of the Criminal Code and is punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume I, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The prosecutor subsequently asked the court to remand Odokpolo in a correctional facility pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He also informed the court that the prosecution was prepared to proceed with the remand application.
However, defence counsel, Amos Ilori, told the court that he had not received a copy of the application. He requested an opportunity to respond by filing a counter-affidavit after being served with the necessary documents.
In her ruling, Magistrate O. Omotosho directed the prosecution to serve the defence counsel with the application before the next court session.
The magistrate adjourned the case until October 29, 2026, for further proceedings.
Pending the determination of the remand application, the court ordered that Odokpolo remain in police custody.
The defendant has been accused of murder, but the allegations are yet to be determined by the court.
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