Judge orders remand after fresh violence linked to defendants; issues bench warrants for absent co-accused
An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has revoked the bail of two co-defendants in the ongoing trial of Oba Solomon Akinola, the Oloko of Oko, over alleged involvement in fresh community violence while facing attempted murder charges.
Justice Kareem Adedokun on Monday ordered Chief Sunday Aderinto and Adejare Adeleru remanded at Agodi Correctional Facility after prosecutors presented evidence linking them to a new April 5 attack on Aagba Community that left nine houses burnt, including the palace of Alagba of Aagba, Oba Joshua Adesola.
Fresh Violence Leads to Bail Revocation
“The court can revoke bail when a defendant commits a new offense during trial,” Justice Adedokun ruled, accepting prosecutor Isa Abdulazeez’s submission about the defendants’ alleged participation in the recent violence which reportedly claimed the life of 70-year-old Rachael Bamidele.
The judge also issued bench warrants for six absent co-defendants: Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro (alias Paimo), Rafiu Ganiyu, Samson Ogunmola, Zachiaus Adeleru, and Sheriff Adio. Notably, the court ordered that Akintaro – who had repeatedly cited mental health issues for his absence – must be produced “dead or alive” at the next hearing.
Case Background
The defendants, including the traditional ruler, face 27 counts of attempted murder, land grabbing, assault, robbery and stealing stemming from an alleged November 2023 invasion of Aagba Community and Tropical Farm Limited. Prosecutors maintain the attack was orchestrated by Oba Akinola.
Defense counsel Hakeem Sabana distanced himself from four defendants, claiming unawareness of the new violence. “I no longer represent the first, second, third and seventh defendants,” he stated.
Judicial Process Continues
The case, originally investigated by police on the Inspector General’s orders before being transferred to the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, has been adjourned to May 13 for definite hearing. All defendants had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges.
