Seven arraigned over arson attack on Kwara traditional worshipper’s home

Seven suspects have been arraigned before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin over the alleged burning of the house of a traditional worshipper, Asabi Olorisa.

The defendants — Yekini Oloruntele, Saliu Usman, Garba Yusuf, Mumini Showa, Isiaq Raji, Saliu Abubakar and AbdulMumini Muhamed — appeared on Friday before Justice Mahmud Gafar.

According to court proceedings, the suspects were accused of conspiring to set ablaze the bungalow belonging to Olorisa on January 1, 2026, while she was reportedly away on holiday. Following the incident, the Kwara State Police Command arrested the seven individuals in connection with the alleged arson.

The case was instituted by the victim through her counsel, Abdulmumeen Busari, of the Kwara State Ministry of Justice.

During the arraignment, the charges were read individually to the defendants. The prosecution alleged that the suspects conspired to commit arson and deliberately set fire to Olorisa’s residence, an offence punishable under the state’s criminal laws.

All seven defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Counsel to the complainant urged the court to remand the suspects in a correctional facility, while defence counsel, I. F. Yusuf, opposed the application and asked the court to grant them bail.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Gafar granted the suspects bail, noting that they had earlier been granted bail by the police. Each defendant was admitted to bail in the sum of N2.5 million with one surety.

The judge adjourned the case until March 26, 2026, for further hearing.