— Laments, politicians playing politics with their deaths

— Police dock 8 suspects

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

An Islamic cleric, Alhaji Abdulkareem Adedokun, whose wife and son were killed during the cult clash in Owo, Ondo state, has rained curses on their killers

Recall, that five persons were murdered by suspected cultists during a bloody clash in the ancient Owo.

Among the victims are Fisayo Oladipupo, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and a mother and her child.

The state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, consequently, imposed a dawn-to-dusk curfew in the town following violent cult clashes and security disturbances.

Aiyedatiwa said the dawn- to dusk curfew in the town, was till further notice.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Adedokun, in a heartfelt Facebook post lamented the tragic killing of his wife, Temitope Adedokun, and their young son, Abdul Malik Adedokun, by cult members on January 6, 2025.

Adedokun, recounted how his wife and son were attacked and brutally murdered in her shop.

While expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the cleric said that “The most painful part of it is how politicians started playing politics with the death of my wife and son.

” They all know that no members of the Adedokun family have ever participated in cultist activities before.”

The Imam invoked “the authority of his grandfather, Almustaph Adedeji Jika Anabi, who is credited with introducing Islam to Owo and much of Ondo State, to lay a curse on those responsible for the deaths.

“I stand on this authority to curse the person who killed Temitope Adedokun and Abdul Malik Adedokun, all members of their cult gangs, their supporters—including politicians and traditional leaders—and those protecting them from security agents.”

“From today, every child born into their families will die a mysterious death upon reaching the age of my little Abdul Malik, who was killed.

“This curse will remain until they can bring my little Abdul Malik back to life. I have concluded this curse in Owo.”

Meanwhile, the police in the state, has arraigned eight suspects before an Akure Chief Magistrates, over the cult killings in the ancient town.

The suspects arraigned include Ogunseyila Oladimeji (28), Olabode Ojo alias Popo (30), Adeola Bero (30), Olayemi Ayodele (20), Ijalade Femi, Ijarotimi Taye (42), and two sisters, Bisi Gbenga (25) and Esther Gbenga (20).

They are facing five-count charge of conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of stolen vehicles.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the offences were committed on January 6, 7, and 8, 2025, around 10:30 a.m. in Owo town.

Akintimehin alleged that the suspects were members of the Alora and Ave secret cults.

He claimed that the suspects used firearms and other weapons to murder Fisayo Oladipupo, Oladimeji Alawis (19), Adedokun Malik (10), and Adedeji Rafiu (46).

According to him the second and third defendants, Ojo and Bero, were found in possession of a double-barrel gun and nine cartridges.

The prosecutor said that the seventh and eighth defendants, siblings Bisi and Esther, were found with a Toyota Camry with registration number GGE 393 HM (Lagos) and an unregistered Lexus ES350 vehicle.

He noted that they could not provide satisfactory explanations for, which were suspected to be stolen.

Akintimehin alleged offences contravene Sections 516, 319, and 430 of the Criminal Law of Ondo State, 2006, as well as Section 1(1) and (2) of the Secret Cults and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The court did not take the suspects’ pleas due to a lack of jurisdiction.

Akintimehin submitted a written application requesting their remand at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The defence counsel, Danial Onu, requested for an adjournment to allow the defendants to file counter-affidavits against the prosecutor’s application.

Chief Magistrate Sunday Adedapo, thereafter granted the defence’s request and adjourned the case to January 28 for a reply to the affidavit and ruling.

The seventh and eighth defendants were granted bail of N500,000 each, with one surety in like sum.

All the defendants were ordered to be remanded in police custody till the next date of adjournment.