The Osun State Police Command has dismissed claims that a 26-year-old man arrested after scaling the fence of the Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace attempted to assassinate the monarch, saying investigations found no evidence to support the allegation.
In a statement on Friday, the command Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the command had concluded preliminary investigations into the June 3 incident involving the suspect, identified as Semilola Monday, also known as “Ankara.”
According to the police, the suspect allegedly climbed the fence and forcibly entered the palace at about 8:45 a.m. but fled after he was challenged by palace residents and domestic staff.
The statement read, “Upon a report received from the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo that one adult male later identified as Semilola Odunayo Monday ‘m’ a.k.a. Ankara, aged 26 years, scaled the fence of Ataoja’s palace, Osogbo and forcibly entered the palace, he was immediately challenged by some residents/domestic staff, but he could not give reasonable excuse. Instead, he took to his heels.”
The police said the suspect sustained injuries while being pursued and was taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital in Osogbo for treatment.
Following his recovery, the command said the suspect admitted entering the palace unlawfully but denied any plan to attack the monarch or anyone else.
“He admitted entering the palace premises through the fence. He stated further that he had no intention to assassinate or harm His Imperial Majesty or any other person. He attributed his conduct to excessive intake of substance,” the statement added.
The command further disclosed that a committee led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Suleiman Bayonle, found that the suspect was not carrying any firearm or offensive weapon at the time of his arrest.
“The report from the committee reveals that the suspect was not in possession of a firearm or any offensive weapon at the time of his arrest,” the command stated.
The police said the suspect was arraigned before Magistrate Court II, Osogbo, on June 8 on a charge of attempted felony and has been remanded in a correctional centre pending further proceedings.
The command also appealed to members of the public and palace officials with additional information about the incident to come forward, noting that investigations remain ongoing.
“The Osun State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and will not relent in its efforts to ensure that all criminal activities are brought to the lowest ebb,” the statement added.
