Two men, Ologunmeta Akinwumi 63 and Folusho Falodun, 53, have been remanded in prison for allegedly beating up a retired 72-year-old soldier, Pa. Ilesanmi Adebayo.
The incident reportedly occurred in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The suspects were arraigned at the Chief Magistrates’ Court, Oke Eda, Akure, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and attempted murder.
Akinwumi and Falodun, who are alleged followers of a notorious Akure thug, Ade Fayehun, aka Ade Basket, were arrested last week after beating up the victim during an argument over the family’s property.
The accused, with others at large, allegedly beat up the old man by hitting him with a stick on the head.
The duo were accused of beating up the old man to coma and abandoning him.
The retired soldier’s son and his brother took him to hospital.
Pa. Adebayo was rejected at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure and Gani Fawehinmi Diagnostic Centre, Ondo, from where he was referred to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
He has been in coma since January 26 when the incident occurred.
Police prosecutor Martins Olowofeso told the court that he would call six witnesses. Counsel to the defendants, Adelanke Akinrata, argued that since the suspects are still innocent until proved guilty, they should be admitted to bail.
But the plaintiff’s lawyer, Kehinde Aladeduntire, submitted that although the court is at liberty to use its discretion on granting bail, the enormity of the crime must be considered.
He implored the court to consider the critical condition of the old man and dispense justice judiciously, stressing that prayers are on so that the case will not turn to murder.
Aladeduntire alleged that the witnesses, who are members of the victim’s family, are being threatened on the phone with death.
The Chief Magistrate, Victoria Bob-Manuel, ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case till February 21.
She said the court will take application for bail on the adjourned date.