Ifon-Osun community protests bail for alleged ritual killers
Residents of Ahoro-Afin community in Ifon-Osun, Orolu Local Government Area of Osun State, have raised the alarm over an alleged move to grant bail to two men accused of ritual killing.
The suspects, Tajudeen Oderinde and Mojeed Alani, are standing trial for the gruesome murder of Lukman Akorede, whose body was discovered mutilated in March 2025.
Community leaders revealed that they fear the suspects may evade justice if released on bail.
In a statement on Monday, the community called on the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Adepele Ojo, to intervene.
They also demanded an urgent probe into the circumstances surrounding the alleged bail application.
Coordinator of the Concerned Citizens of Orolu Kingdom, Adejumo Adewumi, while addressing journalists, appealed to the National Judicial Council, NJC, and the Federal Ministry of Justice to step in, warning against attempts to commercialise justice.
Adewumi urged international human rights organisations and civil society groups to closely monitor the case and called on the Nigeria Police to intensify their manhunt for other suspects still at large.
“Justice must not be buried in technicalities or corruption. Every single person involved in this dastardly act must be apprehended and prosecuted without delay,” he added.
Recounting the murder, Adewumi described the killing as barbaric.
“His lifeless body was found mutilated. His head severed, limbs cut off, private parts removed, and vital organs harvested. This horrific act shook our community,” he lamented.
According to him, “Oderinde and Alani were arrested following eyewitness testimony, while other accomplices remain on the run.
The case, filed at Osun State High Court 4, reportedly took a new turn during the annual vacation of the presiding judge.”
Community members alleged that some individuals from Ilobu conspired to secure bail for the accused.
They claimed this was done by approaching a vacation judge, Justice S.O. Oke, despite objections from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP.
Adewumi noted that one of the suspects, Alani, had previously been arrested for murder in 2023 and was granted bail in February 2025 but was allegedly involved in another killing barely a month later.
The community said the decision had caused fear and anger among residents. “This action has emboldened evil-doers and demoralised law-abiding citizens.
“We cannot remain silent while justice is being mocked in our land,” he warned.
Ifon-Osun community protests bail for alleged ritual killers
