The intraparty crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State took another dimension on Monday when some associates of Minister Of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, were arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court for alleged assault and conspiracy.
Those arraigned include APC Caretaker Secretary, Hon Rasaq Salinsile; immediate past APC Chairman in the state, Mr Adelowo Adebiyi; former Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Kazeem Salami; former Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Special Needs, Com. Biyi Odunlade; former Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation, Barr. Gbenga Akano; APC member from Ilesa, Alaba Popoola and Azeez Adekunle.
They were accused of assaulting one Muideen Ajetunmobi and Usman Lekan at the APC Secretariat on August 14, 2021.
The Police prosecutor, John Idoko, informed the court that the defendants and others at large, conspired, hit the duo with stones and broken plastic chairs that caused them harm on their heads.
Idoko said the alleged offences were contrary to and punishable under Section 516 and 355 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. Il, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.
The APC chieftains however pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Counsels to the APC chieftains, Abdulfatai Abdulsalam and Muftau Adediran, applied for their bail on self-recognition.
The Magistrate, Olusegun Ayilara, granted bail to Salinsile, Adebiyi, Salami, Odunlade and Akano on self-recognition.
Ayilara also admitted Alaba and Adekunle to bail in a sum of N5million with one surety in like sum, adding that the surety must either be a civil servant or house owner residing within the jurisdiction of the magistrate.
The case was adjourned till September 24 for mention.
