Adejumo Lateef, a member of the Yoruba Nation agitators, has died in custody while awaiting trial, as 27 other agitators appeared at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan on Wednesday. The Nigerian Correctional Service informed the court of Lateef’s passing during the arraignment.
The agitators are facing charges related to an invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat at Agodi, Ibadan, on April 13, 2024, where they declared the formation of a sovereign Yoruba Nation. The case, presided over by Justice K. B. Olawoyin, involves charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony, and treason.
The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecution S. O. Adeoye, is representing the Oyo State Government, with the charges filed under Section 37 (2) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
However, the arraignment was delayed as most of the defendants lacked legal representation. Adebola Ogungbe and Toluwase Ogundeji represented a few of the defendants, while lawyers Yomi Ogunlola and S. A. Sanmi volunteered to represent the others. Three defendants requested more time to contact their families for legal counsel.
Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case to November 6th, 8th, and 13th for arraignment and further hearings.
