The trial of 27 individuals charged with involvement in the Yoruba Nation agitation began on Wednesday at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, with all the accused present for the proceedings.Â
The defendants are facing charges related to an alleged attempt to declare a sovereign Yoruba Nation at the State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, on April 13, 2024. The case, identified as I/51c/2024, is being heard at Court 3, with Justice K.B. Olawoyin presiding. The court adjourned the matter until November 13, 2024, for further hearings.
The accused include 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, along with Adesokan Hameed, Abiona Esther, Omoyajowo Funsho, Tola Olufemi, Oritola Alabi, Kayode Fakeye, and Taiwo Titilayo. Tragically, one of the defendants, Adejumo Lateef, was reported dead prior to the trial’s commencement.
The suspects are facing five charges: conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony, and treason. These charges are being prosecuted by a team led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. S.O. Adeoye, with support from Deputy DPP O.R. Yussuf, DDPP O.S. Tella, and three Senior State Counsels.
According to court documents, the alleged offence occurred on April 13, 2024, within the Ibadan Judicial Division, violating Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.Â
The trial will resume next week as the prosecution proceeds with the case.
Peoplesmind
