Shasha crisis: Afenifere demands for a halt to selective Justice
By Modupe Shodeinde
Pan Yoruba Socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has condemned the charging of only seven Yorubas to court over the conflict between Hausa and Yoruba in Ibadan.
The group’s spokesman in a statement demanded for a halt to selective Justice.
The statement reads, “Afenifere expresses total disgust at the charging of only seven yoruba men over what was supposed to be a clash between Hausa and yoruba in Shaha. .
“It is a tragic throwback to three years ago when only Indigenous ifes were arrested when they clashed in the ancient city.
“The police should show more impartiality. Where are the arsonists who burnt down the Yoruba section of the market? Fulanis are above the law? A country cannot go on this way”
He stated that the seven persons docked were charged with six counts bordering on conspiracy, arson and murder.
Odumakin added that “the question to ask Nigeria unjust system is if it was a Yoruba vs Yoruba crisis, where then is the case of the Hausa Fulani who have accused the Yoruba of attacking them and which the Federal Government had allegedly agree to compensate with billions of Naira..
“We demand a halt to this selective justice that can only provoke more injustices.
He said that “It is laughable that all the Yoruba have been charged for the death of a Yoruba man who was beaten with a Cham to death by the Fulani when the fight ensued.
Recall that an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday, ordered that seven men be remanded in Abolongo Correctional facility in Oyo, for alleged arson and murder during the Shasha marker crisis.
The police charged Tajudeen Oladunni, 50; Saburi Lawal, 37; Ojo Joshua, 25; Adekunle Olanrewaju, 38; Olagunju James, 24; Rasaq Yahya, 32 and Olaide Olawuyi, 20 with six counts bordering on conspiracy, arson and murder.
Magistrate I.O. Osho did not take the plea of the suspects for want in the jurisdiction.
She ordered the police to return the case file to the Office of the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.
Osho adjourned the matter until May 11, for mention.
Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Insp Foluke Oladosu told the court that the suspects conspired with others, at large, to commit the offence.
Oladosu said, on Feb. 12, at about 10 a.m., at Shasha market, Ibadan, the suspects caused the death of Adeola Shakirudeen, when they beat him up.
The police also alleged that the suspects caused the death of 31 others.
The prosecution also alleged that the suspects set fire on two houses, belonging to Chief Adelabu Ibrahim and caused N50 million damage.
The police also alleged that the suspects also burnt down a house, belonging to Osuolale Akindele and destroyed property worth N20 million.
The offence, the police said, contravened the provisions of sections 6, and 316 and punishable under sections 443 and 319 and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol.II, Laws of Oyo State 2000.
