Magistrates Reject Trial Of APC Chieftain In Osun

An Osogbo born chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC), Alhaji Fatai Diekola has been arrested by the Osun state police command over alleged public disturbance.

Diekola who has been invited by the police for some weeks, finally showed up at the police headquarters on Monday with a group of supporters, prompting his arrest for alleged public disturbance.

Diekola was taken to court alongside five suspects by the state police in the afternoon.

He was said to have been invited by the police for alleged breach of public peace but couldn’t appear due to the status of his health.

When he was brought to the court, the Magistrate 2 where his case was assigned, immediately reassigned the case to Magistrate 3.

While the loyalists, political friends and families were waiting for the commencement of his arraignment, the court clerk informed the police that the magistrate could not come to the court.

The APC chieftain was however returned to the police headquarter amid cheers by supporters and political loyalists from PDP and APC.

Speaking at the court, the counsel to Diekola, Barrister Bukola Onifade said administrative bail would be given to the suspects at the station pending the time they would be properly charged to court.

He explained that Alhaji Diekola had been invited by the police some weeks ago but because he was his challenges he couldn’t go.

He said Diekola  however decided to go to the station today (Monday) against his doctor’s advise but was met on the road by his supporters who were there to give him moral support.

Onifade said this act however prompted the police to detain  and eventually took him to court for likely breach of public peace.

Asked if his client’s arrest has any political undertone, Onifade said only time will tell and that it was too early to pass such a judgment.