Twenty-seven Yoruba Nation agitators who stormed the Oyo State Government Secretariat in April 2024 have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including treason and unlawful possession of firearms. The arraignment took place on Wednesday before Justice K.B. Olawoyin at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.
The defendants were charged with five counts: conspiracy, unlawful assembly, unlawful possession of firearms, treasonable felony, and treason. The case, titled State vs. Adeyemo Peter & 26 Others, proceeded in Fiat Court 3, with Director of Public Prosecution S.O. Adeoye leading the state’s legal team.
During the proceedings, defense counsel Yomi Ogunlola questioned the court’s jurisdiction on certain counts, specifically treason, arguing that it falls under federal purview. “The offences are federal offences, especially the one that deals with treason and not within the jurisdiction of the court,” Ogunlola contended, adding that the prosecution would require the Attorney General of the Federation’s approval to move forward on those charges.
Justice Olawoyin, however, ruled that the objection would not halt the arraignment, and charges were read to each defendant, who individually pleaded not guilty. The court translated the charges into Yoruba for the accused, ensuring they understood the accusations.
Following the pleas, the prosecution requested time to address the defense’s jurisdictional objection. Justice Olawoyin then adjourned the case to November 13, 2024, for further hearings on the jurisdictional challenge.
