Police clear suspect of plotting to kill Osun monarch

The Osun State Police have rejected claims that a 26-year-old man tried to assassinate the Ataoja of Osogbo. They found no evidence to back up the allegation after looking into the matter.

In a statement on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said they finished their initial investigation into the June 3 incident. The suspect is named Semilola Monday, also known as "Ankara."

According to the police, the suspect climbed the fence and entered the palace around 8:45 a.m. He ran away when palace residents and staff confronted him.

The statement said, "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."

The police noted that the suspect got hurt while fleeing. He was taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital in Osogbo for treatment.

After he got better, the police said he admitted to entering the palace illegally but denied planning to attack the monarch or anyone else. "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 police also reported that a committee led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Suleiman Bayonle, found that the suspect did not have any firearm or dangerous weapon when he was arrested.

"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.

The suspect was taken before Magistrate Court II, Osogbo, on June 8 on a charge of attempted felony. He has been kept in a correctional centre while waiting for the next court action.

The police also urged anyone with more information about the incident to come forward. They stated that investigations are still ongoing.

"The Osun State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will keep working hard to reduce criminal activities," the statement concluded.