A member of the Yoruba Nation group, Adejumo Lateef, has reportedly died while in custody. This information was confirmed on Wednesday when representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service presented 27 other members of the group before Court 3 of the Oyo State High Court, situated at Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, for arraignment.
Reports indicate that Lateef was the 18th defendant in a legal case involving the Oyo State Government and individuals identified as Yoruba Nation activists.
The suspects are being tried for their involvement in the April 13, 2024, invasion of the Government Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, where they attempted to declare the Republic of Yoruba Nation as a sovereign entity.
The case, identified as suit number I/51c/2024, is being presided over by Justice K. B. Olawoyin. Among the accused are Adeyemo Peter, Adeyemo Joseph, Amos Ogundeji, Ayanwale Rofiat, Olalere Mathew, and Ismaila Peter, among others.
The defendants face multiple charges, including conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony, and treason.
The prosecution team, led by S. O. Adeoye, the Director of Public Prosecution, represents the State Government. The charges against the defendants are based on violations outlined in Section 37 (2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
During the court session, the arraignment was delayed because most of the defendants did not have legal representation.
Adebola Ogungbe represented the 3rd, 4th, 9th, and 12th defendants, while Toluwase Ogundeji represented the 15th defendant. Additionally, lawyers Yomi Ogunlola and S. A. Sanmi volunteered to represent those without legal counsel. The 6th, 23rd, and 24th defendants informed the court that they would contact their families to arrange for legal representation.
Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case, setting the next hearings for November 6th, 8th, and 13th to continue with the arraignment and proceedings.
