By NAN

An Osun High Court sitting in Osogbo on Tuesday ordered the remand of a masquerader custodian, Kayode Esuleke, in Ilesa Correctional Centre over alleged murder of a Muslim cleric, Moshood Salawudeen.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Ayo Oyebiyi, ordered that the defendant with his son, Ifasola Esuleke, be remanded in prison custody due to the magnitude of the alleged offense.

The State Prosecutor, Mr Abiodun Badiora, had told the court that the defendant with his son committed the offense on June 27, at Arayin street in Osogbo metropolis.

Badiora said followers of the masquerader and Muslim worshippers clashed at Kamarudeen mosque, resulting in the death of one person while several property were destroyed.

He said the clash with the Muslim worshippers at the mosque led to breach of peace during which one of the Muslim worshippers was killed while many were inflicted with injuries and the mosque destroyed.

He said the offense committed contravened Sections 83, 249 (1)(d), 35, 320 (1)(2), 451, and 319 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 , Vol.11, Law of Osun, 2002

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge of murder, attempted murder, malicious damage, assault, breach of public peace and engaging in a public fight.

The defense counsel, Mr Abimbola Ige, prayed the court to grant his clients bail in the most liberal terms.

Justice Oyebiyi, however, overruled the bail application by the defense counsel and ordered that the defendants be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Facility.

He adjourned the case until Sept. 21 for consideration of bail.