A member of the Yoruba Nation group, Adejumo Lateef, has reportedly passed away while in custody.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday when the representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service presented 27 other individuals before Court 3 of the Oyo State High Court, located at Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, for their arraignment.
Naturenex understands that Lateef was the 18th defendant in a case involving the Oyo State Government and the accused, who were acting under the banner of Yoruba Nation activists.
According to reports, the suspects are facing trial for their involvement in the invasion of the Government Secretariat at Agodi, Ibadan, on April 13, 2024, where they aimed to declare the sovereign Republic of Yoruba Nation.
The case, designated as suit number I/51c/2024, is being overseen by Justice K. B. Olawoyin.
Among the defendants are Adeyemo Peter, Adeyemo Joseph, Amos Ogundeji, Ayanwale Rofiat, Olalere Mathew, and Ismaila Peter, among others.
The charges against the suspects include five counts: conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony, and treason.
The prosecution is led by the State Government’s team, headed by the Director of Public Prosecution, S. O. Adeoye.
The charges against the individuals violate and are punishable under Section 37 (2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
During the court proceedings, the arraignment could not proceed as most defendants lacked legal representation.
Adebola Ogungbe represented the 3rd, 4th, 9th, and 12th defendants, while Toluwase Ogundeji represented the 15th defendant.
Additionally, two attorneys, Yomi Ogunlola and S. A. Sanmi, offered to represent all other defendants who were unrepresented.
The 6th, 23rd, and 24th defendants indicated to the court that they would reach out to their families to secure legal representation.
In his decision, Justice Olawoyin postponed the case to November 6th, 8th, and 13th for further arraignment and hearings.
