29 Yoruba Nation Agitators Arraigned over Ibadan Invasion

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

No fewer than 29 Yoruba Nation agitators  were yesterday arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, for their involvement and roles in the aborted invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat on April 13.

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

The defendants, which included a young woman and five elderly women, 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 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;  Hammed Adesokan, 37; 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 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.

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 were then remanded by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi at the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan.

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