The Elegbedi of Egbedi in Osun State, Oba Muideen Azeez, along with four other defendants, has been remanded in custody due to their failure to meet bail conditions.
They are facing trial on 29 counts of arson, robbery, and malicious damage to a farm in Iloba town.
The defendants, including Akibu Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran, and Sarafadeen Abioye, were initially arraigned on June 27, 2024.
The charges stem from an incident on September 3, 2019, where they allegedly committed arson, robbery, and violence at a farm in Oloba.
According to the court documents, “Oba Muideen Olanivi Azeez (A.K.A Asemalu,) Akeeb Azeez Abioye, Yisa Surajudeen Akolapo (A.K.A. Kola Isah), Rasidi Ayandiran, Sarafadeen Abioye and others at large robbed Wasilatu Akinola and other women processing palm oil of about 70 kegs of palm oil, palm kernel, palm fruits, goats and other domestic animals valued at about N10m.”
The defendants were also accused of setting fire to the palace of Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi, Oloba of Iloba, as well as other buildings in the town.
These actions were said to violate multiple sections of the State Criminal Law 2002.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Kudirat Akano granted the defendants bail, each set at N5 million with two sureties.
One surety was required to be a level 16 civil servant with properties within the court’s jurisdiction, while the other must be a part-two monarch.
Despite the bail being granted, the defendants were unable to fulfill the conditions, leading to their transfer to the Ile-Ife Custodial Centre.
The correctional vehicle was seen leaving the court premises around 2:10 pm.
During the hearing, a prosecution witness, Mustafa Waheed, testified that the monarch assaulted him after he brought policemen to arrest him for allegedly destroying his farm.
The case was adjourned to October 16 for further hearing.
Sahara Reporters
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