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Yoruba Nation Activist Dies In Custody, 27 Others Arraigned In Ibadan

Published

3 months ago

Oct 17, 2024.

Adejumo Lateef, a member of the Yoruba Nation group, has reportedly died while in custody. The Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed this on Wednesday when they presented 27 other defendants before Court 3 of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan for arraignment.

Lateef was the 18th defendant in a case where the Oyo State Government is prosecuting activists of the Yoruba Nation movement.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the activists are on trial for their alleged involvement in the invasion of the Government Secretariat at Agodi, Ibadan, on April 13, 2024, during which they attempted to declare the Republic of Yoruba Nation. The case, listed as suit number I/51c/2024, is overseen by Justice K. B. Olawoyin.

The defendants face charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony, and treason, all of which violate Section 37 (2) of the Criminal Code of Oyo State, 2000.

The prosecution team, led by the Director of Public Prosecution, S. O. Adeoye, was prepared for the arraignment, but it could not proceed because most of the defendants lacked legal representation.

Lawyers Adebola Ogungbe and Toluwase Ogundeji represented several defendants, while attorneys Yomi Ogunlola and S. A. Sanmi volunteered to represent the unrepresented defendants.

Yoruba Nation Activist Dies

Three defendants informed the court they would seek legal assistance from their families. Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case for further arraignment and hearings to November 6th, 8th, and 13th.

The passing of Lateef in custody has cast a shadow over the ongoing trial, raising concerns about the conditions under which the accused are being held.