Oyo Secretariat invasion: 78-year-old man, 28 others arraigned for treasonable felony
A total of 29 people were arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ibadan on Wednesday, in connection with last Saturday’s invasion of the Oyo State Secretariat. Among those arraigned were 78-year-old Abiola Esther, 75-year-old Adeyemo Peter, 67-year-old Yusuf Adebayo, 27-year-old Isaac Friday, 25-year-old Ayanwale Rofiat, and 40-year-old Muritala Abefe. Presiding over the sitting was Chief Magistrate O. O. Ogunkanmi.
The 29 individuals were arraigned on a seven-count charge, including treasonable felony, being part of an unlawful society, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, contrary to the provisions of Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000. They were also accused of intending to forcefully remove Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State from office, an offense punishable under the Criminal Code, and of declaring the birth of the Yoruba nation, deemed an unlawful society.
Also listed in the charge sheet is that the 29 Yoruba nation agitators conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by being armed at the state secretariat and declaring the Yoruba nation, an offense punishable under Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code.
The Yoruba nation agitators are additionally accused of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, which runs contrary to the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act.
The case with charge number MI/520C/2024, in which the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, acts as the prosecution and the 29 persons as defendants, was adjourned until August 1. The presiding magistrate also directed that the 29 individuals be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan.