By Adeyinka Adeniran
The trial of 27 members of the Oodua Republic under the aegis of Yoruba Nation Agitators began on Wednesday as the suspects again appeared in court.
This is as the court adjourned the matter till November 13. 2024 for further hearing of the case.
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, Isa 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.
Corenews further report that a member of the Yoruba Nation agitator reportedly died in custody when officials of Nigeria Correctional Services told the court on at the last hearing.
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.
On Wednesday, all the suspects were brought to court and their pleas were taken.
The court room was filled to capacity as many friends, family members and associates of the defendants were in court in their good number.
The Executive Assistant on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, CP Sunday Odukoya was sighted in court.
There was also water tight Security within the court premises .
Details shortly…….
