By Adeyinka Adeniran
A member of the Yoruba Nation agitator has died in custody.
Officials of Nigeria Correctional Services told the court on Wednesday when the suspects were brought for arraignment.
The deceased, Adejumo Lateef was the 18th defendant in a suit between the State government and the accused persons under the aegis of Yoruba Nation Agitators.
Corenews reports that the suspects are facing trial for invading the Oyo State government Secretariat on April 13, 2024, allegedly to declare the sovereign Republic of Yoruba Nation (Oodua Republic)
The case with suit number I/51c/2024 held at the Fiat Court 3, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan presided over by Justice K. B Olawoyin.
The defendants (1- 27) facing trial include: Adeyemo Peter, Adeyemo Joseph, Amos Oluwaseyi Ogundeji, Ayanwale Rofiat, Olalere Mathew and Ismaila Malomo Peter.
Others are: Fatoki Anthony, Murittala Abefe, Ismaila Adepoju, Fatunmbi Wasiu, Isaac Friday, Ayanwale Saburi, Adeola Elegbede, Ademola Adeniyi, Ogundeji Alabi, Ojo Olufemi, Ajani Ezekiel, Adejumo Lateef and Ayoola David.
The list also include: Adesokan Hameed, Adesokan Hameed, Abiona Esther, Omoyajowo Funsho, Tola Olufemi, Oritola Alabi, Kayode Fakeye and Taiwo Titilayo
The suspect were arraigned on five count charge bothering on conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony and treason.
The case is been prosecuted by the state government team led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr S. O Adeoye, O. R. Yussuf (Deputy DPP), O. S Tella (DDPP) and three Senior State Counsels including: S. A Osuolale, Yisa Busari and O. A Bolarinwa.
According to the charge sheet, the offence was committed on 13th day of April, 2024, at Ibadan, in the Ibadan Judicial Division, an offence contrary to and punishable under section 37(2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vo. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
When the matter came up in Court on Wednesday, the arrangement could not continue because majority of the defendants do not have legal representation.
While Adebola Ogungbe represented the 3rd, 4th, 9th and 12th defendants, Toluwase Ogundeji stood in for the 15th defendant.
However, two lawyers Yomi Ogunlola and S.A. Sanmi who were also in court volunteered to represent all other defendants not represented in court.
But, the 6th, 23rd and 24th defendants told the court that they will get in touch with their families to engage the service of lawyers to represent them in the matter.
In his ruling, the Judge, Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case to November 6, 8 and 13 for arraignment and hearing.
