The trial of 27 Yoruba Nation activists resumed on Wednesday at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, with all defendants present for the session. The activists are accused of attempting to declare an independent Yoruba Nation during an incident on April 13, 2024, at the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.
The case, numbered I/51c/2024, is being presided over by Justice K.B. Olawoyin at Fiat Court 3, located in the State High Court on Ring Road. After taking pleas from the defendants, the court adjourned the trial to November 13, 2024, for further proceedings.
Among those facing charges are Adeyemo Peter, Amos Oluwaseyi Ogundeji, Ayanwale Rofiat, and Olalere Mathew, along with 22 other individuals. Tragically, one of the defendants, Adejumo Lateef, was reported deceased before the trial began.
The suspects face five charges: conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony, and treason. The prosecution team, led by Director of Public Prosecution Mr. S.O. Adeoye, is supported by Deputy DPP O.R. Yussuf, DDPP O.S. Tella, and Senior State Counsels S.A. Osuolale, Isa Busari, and O.A. Bolarinwa.
According to court documents, the alleged offenses took place within the Ibadan Judicial Division on April 13, 2024, in violation of section 37(2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The trial is set to continue next week as the state seeks to prosecute the case.
