A Yoruba Nation agitator, Adejumo Lateef, has died while in custody, officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service confirmed to the court on Wednesday during the arraignment of the accused Yoruba Nation agitators. Adejumo was the 18th defendant in a case filed by the Oyo State Government against individuals linked to the Yoruba Nation movement.
The agitators, facing trial for allegedly invading the Oyo State Government Secretariat on April 13, 2024, in a bid to declare the Oodua Republic, were brought before the Oyo State High Court, Fiat Court 3, presided over by Justice K. B Olawoyin. The case is being prosecuted by a team led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr. S. O Adeoye, alongside other legal officers.
The defendants, including Adejumo Lateef, are being charged with conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony, and treason, offenses that allegedly occurred within the Ibadan Judicial Division. The charges are in line with Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Several other defendants facing trial include Adeyemo Peter, Adeyemo Joseph, Amos Oluwaseyi Ogundeji, Ayanwale Rofiat, Olalere Mathew, Ismaila Malomo Peter, Fatoki Anthony, Murittala Abefe, and many others, bringing the total number of defendants to 26.
At the court session, the arraignment could not proceed as most of the defendants were without legal representation. While some defendants had representation from lawyers, including Adebola Ogungbe and Toluwase Ogundeji, others, including the 6th, 23rd, and 24th defendants, informed the court of their intention to secure legal representation through their families.
In light of this, Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case to November 6, 8, and 13, 2024, for arraignment and further hearing.
