The trial of 27 Yoruba Nation agitators commenced on Wednesday at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, with all suspects present for the proceedings.
The court took the pleas of the defendants, who are accused of attempting to declare a sovereign Yoruba Nation at the state Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on April 13, 2024.
The case numbered I/51c/2024, is being heard at Fiat Court 3, State High Court, Ring Road, with Justice K.B. Olawoyin presiding. The court adjourned the matter to November 13, 2024, for further hearing.
Among the defendants are Adeyemo Peter, Adeyemo Joseph, Amos Oluwaseyi Ogundeji, Ayanwale Rofiat, Olalere Mathew, Ismaila Malomo Peter, Fatoki Anthony, Muritala Abefe, Ismaila Adepoju, Fatunmbi Wasiu, Isaac Friday, Ayanwale Saburi, Adeola Elegbede, Ademola Adeniyi, Ogundeji Alabi, Ojo Olufemi, Ajani Ezekiel, Adejumo Lateef, and Ayoola David.
Other defendants include Adesokan Hameed, Abiona Esther, Omoyajowo Funsho, Tola Olufemi, Oritola Alabi, Kayode Fakeye, and Taiwo Titilayo. Tragically, the 18th defendant, Adejumo Lateef, was reported deceased before the trial began.
The suspects face five charges, including conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony, and treason.
The charges are being prosecuted by a team led by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. S.O. Adeoye, alongside Deputy DPP O.R. Yussuf, DDPP O.S. Tella, and three Senior State Counsels, S.A. Osuolale, Isa Busari, and O.A. Bolarinwa.
According to court documents, “The offence was committed on April 13, 2024, within the Ibadan Judicial Division, contrary to and punishable under section 37(2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
The trial resumes next week as the state government pushes forward with its prosecution.
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