An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has ordered the remand of five individuals accused of carrying out a ritual attack on a 16-year-old boy in Ikire, Osun State. The suspects are facing serious charges of conspiracy and attempted murder following an incident that has caused fear and outrage in the community.
The suspects were arraigned after police investigations into the attack on Farouq Abdulahi Taiwo, a Primary Six pupil who reportedly survived an attempt on his life. The incident is alleged to have taken place on July 25, 2025, in the Ako area of Awotedo, near Ikire.
Those standing trial are Awotunde Saudat, Muyideen Olutoki, Fatai Abiodun, Usman Ademola, and Ismaila Abiodun. They were brought before the court on charges related to conspiracy and attempted murder. All five pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The presiding judge, Justice Ayilara, ordered that the accused persons be taken into custody and remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centre pending further legal proceedings. The court said the decision was based on the seriousness of the allegations and the need to ensure that the suspects are available for trial.
Court documents showed that the case has now been transferred to the Chief Magistrate Court in Ikire. The matter is listed under charge number MOS/SSA CID/15c/2025. Legal experts say this is part of the normal process in criminal cases, especially when investigations are ongoing or when jurisdictional issues arise.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired to commit a felony, namely murder, an offence said to be contrary to Section 324 of the Criminal Code of Osun State. The law treats conspiracy as a serious offence, especially when it involves plans to take a human life.
A second count in the charge alleges that the suspects attempted to unlawfully kill Farouq Abdulahi Taiwo. The police claim that the accused attacked the boy with a cutlass and attempted to remove his internal organs for ritual purposes. This offence is said to be punishable under Section 320 of the Criminal Code of Osun State.
The allegation of ritual-related violence has heightened concern among residents of Ikire and surrounding communities. Ritual attacks, though not common, have been reported in different parts of the country over the years, often involving young victims. Such cases usually draw strong reactions from the public due to their cruel nature.
Farouq, who survived the attack, is said to be receiving care and support from his family. While details of his condition were not fully disclosed in court, sources close to the family said he narrowly escaped death and remains traumatised by the experience.
When the case came up before Magistrate M. A. Ojo at the Chief Magistrate Court in Ikire on Thursday, January 15, the court adjourned proceedings to January 21. The adjournment was granted to allow the defence team to file a formal application for bail.
Counsel to one of the defendants, Chief Abimbola Ige, informed the court that the defence would seek bail for the accused persons. He said the application would be properly presented on the next adjourned date, in line with legal procedures.
The prosecution did not oppose the adjournment but maintained that the suspects should remain in custody due to the gravity of the charges. The police said they were ready to continue with the case and present witnesses when required.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the nature of the alleged crime but also because of growing concerns about safety and the protection of children in the area. Community members say the incident has left parents worried and more cautious about allowing their children to move freely.
Reacting to the court’s decision, a representative of the victim’s family, Alhaji Musbaudeen Daud, expressed deep concern over what he described as the rising number of similar incidents in the area. He called on the Osun State Government to ensure that justice is done.
“We are worried because this is not the first time we are hearing about this kind of attack,” Daud said. “We want the government to intervene and make sure that justice is served. This matter should not be swept under the carpet.”
He added that the family was determined to follow the case to its conclusion and would cooperate fully with the authorities. According to him, the survival of the boy should not reduce the seriousness of the alleged crime.
Residents of Ikire also expressed shock over the incident. Some said they had always considered the area peaceful and were disturbed by reports of a ritual attack involving a young boy. Community leaders have since called for calm and urged residents not to take the law into their own hands.
In recent years, the Osun State Government has pledged to strengthen security and protect vulnerable groups, especially children. The police have also increased patrols and encouraged residents to share information that could help prevent crime.
For now, the remand order means that the accused persons will remain at the Ilesa Correctional Centre while the case continues. The next court date is expected to focus on the bail application and further directions from the magistrate.
As the legal process unfolds, many in Osun State will be watching closely. The case has reopened discussions about ritual-related crimes, child safety, and the role of government and communities in preventing such acts.
The family of Farouq Abdulahi Taiwo has appealed for privacy and support as the boy continues to recover. They expressed hope that the court process would bring justice and help restore confidence in the justice system.
The court is expected to resume hearing on January 21, when the bail application will be considered. Until then, the suspects remain in custody, and investigations into the alleged ritual attack continue.