Three docked for allegedly assaulting cleric

The police on Thursday brought three persons – Wasiu Oladapo, 43, Kazeem Abiade, 48, and Isiaka Akinpelu, 54 – before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly assaulting an Islamic cleric.

The defendants, whose addresses were not provided, are charged with conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Insp Femi Omilana, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on July 6 at 11.30 a.m., at Omi-Adio area of  Ibadan.

Omilana said that the defendants conspired  against the cleric, Alhaji Rasheed Balogun, calling him abusive names.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 517, 351 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Gladys Oladele, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500, 000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.

Oladele adjourned the case until Dec. 12 for hearing.