Man arraigned in Ado Ekiti for allegedly threatening to burn wife and children alive.
Court grants ₦50,000 bail as residents express concern over growing domestic violence cases locally.
A 55-year-old man, Afolabi Samuel, has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, for allegedly threatening to kill his wife and children by setting them ablaze. The arraignment took place on Wednesday following an incident that occurred on June 22, 2025.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, informed the court that the defendant had on the said date, around 9:00 a.m., at Olokuta Matthew area in Ado Ekiti, purchased petrol and allegedly threatened to use it to set his family on fire. He claimed that the defendant had already kept a box of matches beside him and was ready to commit the act before being apprehended.
Inspector Oriyomi stated that the defendant’s actions were not only a direct threat to the lives of his wife and children but also posed a serious danger to public peace and safety. He added that the manner in which the defendant conducted himself on that day was likely to incite panic and disturb the peace of the neighborhood.
The prosecutor further informed the court that the alleged offences are punishable under Sections 69 and 181(d) of the Laws of Ekiti State of Nigeria, 2021. Section 69 deals with threats to life, while Section 181(d) addresses acts likely to cause a breach of the peace.
When the charges were read, the defendant did not enter a plea immediately. His legal representative, Barrister Joy Raphael, appealed to the court to grant her client bail. She argued that the defendant was a known resident of the community and posed no flight risk. Raphael assured the court that he would be available to face trial and would not interfere with the investigation or witnesses.
Presiding over the matter, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦50,000 and required one surety in the same amount. The surety, the magistrate said, must be a reputable person within the jurisdiction of the court.
In his closing remarks, Magistrate Adeosun warned the defendant to maintain good behavior and avoid any further actions that could result in another arrest. He adjourned the case to July 22, 2025, for hearing.
