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.
The court adjourned the matter till November13 for further hearing of the case.
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 at the Fiat Court 3, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan was 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 includes: Adesokan Hameed, Adesokan Hameed, Abiona Esther, Omoyajowo Funsho, Tola Olufemi, Oritola Alabi, Kayode Fakeye and Taiwo Titilayo.
The suspects were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony and treason.
The case is being 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.
One of the suspects, Adejumo Lateef, the 18th defendant, was reported to have died in custody.
On Wednesday, all the suspects were brought to court and their pleas were taken.
The courtroom was filled to a full capacity as the court as many friends, family members and associates of the defendants were in attendance. There was also tight security within the court premises.
The Executive Assistant on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, Sunday Odukoya was sighted in court.
