Two Brothers in Ibadan Remanded for Allegedly Insulting Police Officer — Court Sets Bail Conditions

 

A Grade ‘A’ Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has recently taken a firm stance on a case involving two brothers, Usman Wasiu (20 years old) and Toheeb Wasiu (26 years old), who have been charged with the offence of allegedly insulting a police officer. The court has ordered that the siblings be remanded in the correctional centre while their case unfolds.

This case, which has attracted local attention, revolves around accusations of conspiracy and breach of peace. Both defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge that has been laid against them by the prosecution. The charges were brought before the court following an incident that reportedly took place at the entrance of Mapo Police Station, located in the heart of Ibadan.

Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions

The hearing was presided over by Mrs S.M. Akintayo, the President of the Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Mapo. Mrs. Akintayo carefully considered the charges and subsequently admitted the brothers to bail, setting the sum of N200,000 each, alongside two reliable sureties who must also pledge the same amount.

The bail conditions are stringent to ensure the presence of the accused in subsequent hearings. Mrs. Akintayo specifically stated that the sureties must provide proof of paying taxes to the Oyo State government for a minimum of three consecutive years. Furthermore, each surety is required to possess a valid government-issued identity card, a stipulation aimed at verifying the credibility and reliability of the guarantors.

The court also announced that the case would be adjourned until July 2, 2025, for the next hearing.

Details of the Incident: What Led to the Charges?

According to the prosecution counsel, Inspector Ayodele Ayeni, the incident in question occurred in the early hours of May 13, 2025, at approximately 12:30 AM. The location was directly at the entrance of the Mapo Police Station in Ibadan.

Inspector Ayeni provided a detailed account of the events, stating that the two brothers were alleged to have verbally abused Inspector Taiwo Ige, alongside two other police personnel present at the station during that time.

The Inspector reported that the Wasiu brothers engaged in shouting abusive and insulting words, which were aimed directly at the police officers. This verbal attack was not only disrespectful but also perceived as an incitement to the general public, causing unrest and a breach of peace in a sensitive area.

Such actions, according to Inspector Ayeni, fall under the violation of the law as set out in the Criminal Code Cap. 38 Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State 2000, specifically sections 516 and 249. These sections relate to public disturbance, insults against public officers, and conspiracy to disturb peace.

Understanding the Charges: Conspiracy and Breach of Peace

What Does Conspiracy Mean in This Context?

Conspiracy, in Nigerian law, generally refers to an agreement between two or more parties to commit an unlawful act or a lawful act by unlawful means. In this case, the prosecution alleges that the brothers conspired together to insult a police officer and thereby disrupt public order.

This means the court will be investigating not just whether they insulted the officer, but if they planned and coordinated their actions with the intention of causing disturbance.

What Constitutes Breach of Peace?

Breach of peace is an offence that involves conduct likely to disturb public order or tranquility. Shouting insults, especially in a manner that may provoke a crowd or incite others against law enforcement, falls within this category.

It is a serious offence because it threatens societal stability and can escalate to violence if unchecked.

The Importance of Respecting Law Enforcement in Nigeria

The case highlights a growing concern in Nigeria regarding public interactions with law enforcement officials. While citizens have the right to question and hold authorities accountable, it is equally important that such interactions remain respectful and within the boundaries of the law.

Disrespecting or insulting police officers, especially in public or near police premises, not only undermines their authority but also risks inciting public disorder.

Mrs. Akintayo’s decision to set strict bail conditions underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary views such offences, emphasizing the need for responsible conduct and accountability on both sides.

What Happens Next?

The accused brothers will remain on bail until the next scheduled court date on July 2, 2025, when the case will be further heard. During this period, the court will likely examine more evidence from both the prosecution and the defence to determine the validity of the charges.

The defendants maintain their innocence, having pleaded not guilty to the accusations. Their defence counsel may argue that the brothers’ actions did not amount to a breach of peace or conspiracy, or they may challenge the credibility of the evidence presented.

Final Thoughts

This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between citizens’ rights and the authority of law enforcement in Nigeria. While public officers must always act professionally and within the law, citizens too must exercise caution and respect in their dealings with the police.

The judicial system in Oyo State, as demonstrated by the Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Mapo, plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order by ensuring that alleged offenders are appropriately handled while their cases are heard in court.

For residents of Ibadan and wider Nigeria, cases like this bring to light the importance of peaceful coexistence and lawful conduct, especially in areas involving state authorities.

Stay tuned to NaijaRush for further updates on this developing story and other important legal and civic matters across Nigeria.