Ogun businessman demands action against assault suspects

An Ogun State businessman, Azeez Ashiru, has called on the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, to look into the legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. This advice is about a case involving alleged assault, robbery, and the use of dangerous weapons against his family.

Ashiru, through his lawyer, Ayodeji Ifonlaja, also asked the ministry to deal with claims that the suspects have breached their bail conditions. He wants a response to his earlier petition asking for a review of the charges.

This new demand came after a report by PUNCH Metro on September 28, 2026, where Ashiru complained about the dropping of several charges that the police had initially recommended.

In the recent petition, Ifonlaja revealed that a fundamental rights case brought by the suspects, with suit number HCS/326/2025, was thrown out by the Ogun State High Court, Sagamu Judicial Division, on September 30, 2026. Justice O. S. Oloyede delivered the ruling.

Ifonlaja argued that the dismissal of the civil case should not stop the criminal charges against the suspects from being properly considered.

He also disagreed with the Attorney-General's earlier statement that the case was linked to a land dispute and did not justify an armed robbery charge.

“The existence of a land dispute does not excuse, justify or extinguish any criminal offence disclosed by the evidence.

“Allegations of violence, assault, robbery, intimidation and the use of dangerous weapons must be independently assessed based on the police case file and the applicable law,” the petition stated.

While recognizing the Attorney-General’s power to decide on prosecutions, the lawyer insisted that the choice of charges should be based on the evidence and the law.

“Where the evidence is capable of disclosing armed robbery or another criminal offence, the appropriate decision should be made in accordance with the law and the interests of justice,” he said.

The lawyer also referenced another criminal case involving Ashiru from 2024, known as Commissioner of Police v. Abdulmiyu Adams & Another, with DPP Reference No. PPD/AR/04/2024/001/49, dated June 28, 2024.

According to the petition, Ashiru claimed that the suspects in the previous case confessed to the crime but were released without being prosecuted. He fears this might happen again in the current case.

Ifonlaja also claimed that almost all the suspects in the current case have skipped bail, asking the ministry to check on their status and take necessary action.

“We request that their status and any appropriate legal steps be verified and addressed in accordance with the law,” the petition read.

The lawyer urged the ministry to review the DPP’s legal advice dated February 24, 2026, about the suspects, to determine the supported offences, and to respond formally to the petition sent on April 16, 2026, along with follow-up reminders.

Expressing his client’s frustration over the delays, Ifonlaja said Ashiru only wanted a fair decision, not a pre-set outcome against the suspects.

“Our client is heartbroken by the prolonged silence of the relevant authorities despite his repeated efforts to seek justice through lawful means.

“He is not asking for the suspects to be convicted without trial; he seeks only a fair, impartial and evidence-based prosecutorial decision,” the petition stated.

The lawyer called on the Attorney-General to step in, saying a review of the case would help restore his client’s faith in the justice system.

When contacted, Ogungbade said he was not aware of the new petition but promised to look into it. He also expressed concern about the misuse of the criminal justice system.

“This abuse of the system is partly why correctional centres are overflowing with awaiting-trial inmates. As a lawyer, he knows the position of the law on this matter,” he added.