Afenifere has expressed total disgust at the arraignment of seven Yoruba men only over what was supposed to be a clash between Hausa and Yoruba in Shaha, Ibadan, Oyo State.
It said the action was a tragic throwback to three years ago when only Indigenous Ifes were arrested during the Hausa and Yoruba in the ancient city.
A statement by Yinka Odumakin on Friday said the police should show more impartiality. “Where are the arsonists who burnt down the Yoruba section of the market? Fulanis are above the law? A country can go on this way,
Seven people have been charged with six counts bordering on conspiracy, arson and murder at the Iyagamu Magistrate’s Court.
The Magistrate, I. O. Osho, who did not take the plea of the suspects for lack of jurisdiction, ordered the police to return the case file to the Office of the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. Osho adjourned the matter until May 11, for mention.
READ ALSO: ‘I’m ready to talk’, says Meghan ahead of Oprah interview
Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Foluke Oladosu, had told the court that the suspects conspired with others, at large, to commit the offence.
Oladosu said, on February 12, at about 10 am, at Shasha market, Ibadan, the suspects caused the death of Adeola Shakirudeen, when they beat him up.
The police also alleged that the suspects caused the death of 31 others.
The prosecution also alleged that the suspects burnt two houses belonging to Adelabu Ibrahim and caused damage worth N50 million and another house belonging to Osuolale Akindele and destroyed property worth N20 million.
The offence, the police said, contravened the provisions of sections 6, and 316 and punishable under sections 443 and 319 and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol.II, Laws of Oyo State 2000.
Afenifere said the question to ask Nigeria’s unjust system is if it was a Yoruba vs Yoruba crisis.
“We demand a halt to this selective justice that can only provoke more injustices,” Afenifere said.