The Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square saw the arraignment of five men on Monday for allegedly making false criminal allegations against the Elegushi of Ikate Land, Oba Saheed Elegushi. The accused, who were charged with several offenses including conspiracy, making false statements, and impersonation, appeared before Justice Ibironke Harrison.
The five defendants are Adeigbagbo Harrison, Prince Toluwoleke Megba, Harrison Soji, Megbalewon Adeniji James, and Segun Ekomale (also known as Ikuomola). The defendants, whose residential addresses were not provided, face eight counts relating to their involvement in allegedly concocting false information to mislead law enforcement.
According to the prosecution counsel, M. Animashaun, the defendants conspired to fabricate a criminal allegation against the Elegushi monarch and the Al-Mansour family, as well as other individuals, including Mr. Chinedu Nweke, Chief Ogunyemi John, and Monsunmola Ogunyemi. The police allege that the false statements were made on November 30, 2022, and were submitted to public officers at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The prosecution claims that the defendants acted with malicious intent by presenting false allegations to the police, knowing the information they provided was inaccurate. The allegations included criminal accusations against Oba Elegushi, which led to a significant disturbance in the community.
One of the charges involves the first defendant, Adeigbagbo Harrison, who allegedly impersonated the Oni Itedo, the paramount ruler of Itedo community, between January and February 1, 2023. Harrison, according to the police, fraudulently assumed the position of the monarch, even though he was not the rightful ruler. His actions were said to have sparked disorderly conduct, including inciting the local youth and other community members against Oba Elegushi. The prosecutor claims that this incitement could have led to a potential breach of public peace, further complicating the situation.
The court heard that Harrison’s actions were particularly troubling because they undermined the established traditional leadership structure in the community and fueled unnecessary tension between local groups and the revered monarch, Oba Elegushi.
The accused men pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against them. Their defense counsel, Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa (SAN), requested that the defendants be allowed to continue with the administrative bail that had previously been granted to them by the police. Adegboruwa argued that the defendants had been cooperating with the court process, attending all court sessions faithfully.
In response, the prosecutor requested that the court remand the accused individuals in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre while awaiting trial. However, Justice Harrison ruled in favor of the defense’s request, allowing the defendants to remain on their administrative bail, pending the hearing of the bail application.
Justice Harrison noted that the court had observed that all five defendants had consistently attended court as required. Based on this, she granted the continuation of their bail until the bail application could be heard and determined.
The case was adjourned to April 8, 2025, for further proceedings. This will include the hearing of the bail application and other procedural matters. The legal teams of both the prosecution and the defense will have additional time to prepare their cases ahead of the next session.
The case against the five defendants has drawn attention due to the involvement of a prominent Lagos monarch, Oba Saheed Elegushi, and the serious nature of the false allegations made against him. As a respected traditional ruler, Oba Elegushi holds significant influence within the Ikate Kingdom and the larger Lagos area. Any allegations made against him, particularly false ones, have the potential to disrupt public order and undermine the trust placed in traditional leadership structures.
In recent years, the role of traditional rulers in Nigeria has been the subject of significant scrutiny, with some calling for greater respect for their authority, while others have questioned their power and influence in modern Nigerian society. Allegations such as these highlight the complexities surrounding the intersection of traditional authority and the legal system in Nigeria.
This case also reflects the importance of upholding integrity within the Nigerian legal system, particularly in relation to criminal justice. False accusations and attempts to impersonate established authorities undermine the rule of law and can cause unnecessary distress to both individuals and communities. The prosecution’s strong stance in holding those accused accountable demonstrates the government’s commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring that fraudulent activities are not tolerated.
