The Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has ordered the remand of 29 suspected Yoruba Nation agitators for invading the premises of the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan on Saturday. They were arraigned on Wednesday for their involvement in the failed invasion of the secretariat and the Governor’s Office.
Some masked persons invaded the state secretariat to hoist the Yoruba Nation flag before being demobilised by joint security personnel. The defendants faced a seven-count charge, including conspiracy, treasonable felony, belonging to an unlawful society, going armed in public, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Among the suspects remanded were a young woman and five elderly women. They were remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan and the matter was adjourned till Aug. 1 for mention. The prosecution counsel, CSP Funke Fawole, alleged that the defendants conspired to commit a treasonable felony by forming an intention to forcefully remove the democratically elected governor of Oyo State from office.
The defendants were found with items such as guns, cutlasses, charms, and knives. The offences contravened Sections 3 and 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap RII, Vol 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and were punishable under Sections 41 (b), 64, 80, 249 (d), and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000. Among the defendants were Rofiat Ayanwale, Ismaila Adepoju, Saburi Ayanwale, Adeola Elegbede, Anthony Fatoki, and Mathew Olalere, among others.
