Court remands 29 Yoruba Nation agitators for invading Oyo gov’s office

The Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan has remanded 29 Yoruba Nation agitators for invading the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

The Yoruba Nation agitators were arraigned on Wednesday for their involvement in the invasion of the secretariat and the Governor’s Office.

They had invaded the state secretariat to hoist the Yoruba Nation flag before they were demobilised by security operatives.

The defendants faced a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, treasonable felony, belonging to unlawful society, going armed in public, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The prosecution counsel, CSP Funke Fawole, told the court that the defendants, on Saturday, at about 8.30 a.m., conspired to commit a treasonable felony.

Fawole said the defendants allegedly formed an intention and manifested the intention to forcefully remove the democratically elected governor of Oyo State from office.

Yoruba Nation agitators invade gov’s office in Ibadan

She listed items recovered from the agitators to include guns, cutlasses, charms and knives.

Fawole said the offences contravened Sections 3 and 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap RII, Vol 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

She said the offences also contravened Section 62 and were punishable under Sections 41 (b), 64, 80, 249 (d), and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

The suspects, including a young woman and five elderly women, were remanded by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan.

Ogunkanmi, thereafter, adjourned the matter till August 1, 2024, for mention.

The defendants include Rofiat Ayanwale, 25; Ismaila Adepoju, 45; Saburi Ayanwale, 28; Adeola Elegbede, 27; Anthony Fatoki, 34; and Mathew Olalere, 54.

Others are Friday Isaac, 27; Peter Ismaila, 65; Wasiu Fatunmbi, 30; Abefe Muritala, 40; Joseph Adeyemo, 29; Peter Adeyemo, 75; and Hammed Adesokan, 37.

Also convicted are Lateef Adejumo, 60; Alabi Ogundeji, 55; David Ayoola, 40; Olufemi Ojo, 52; Ezekiel Ajani, 42; Amos Ogundeji, 45; Adeniyi Ademola, 29; Wahab Salaudeen, 56; and Dosumu Toyin, 65.

Others include Esther Abiona, 78; Funsho Omoyajowo, 64; Tola Olufemi, 60; Alabi Oritola, 44; Kayode Fakeye, 45; Titilayo Taiwo, 58; and Yussuf Adebayo, 67.

The Star