Peace Oladapo 
The Osun State High Court siting in Osogbo on Thursday arraigned Oba Muideen Azeez, Elegbedi of Egbedi, and four other individuals for various crimes.
The defendants were arraigned on 29 court counts charges of arson and destruction of farm and crops valued at N200 million.
Akibu Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran, and Sarafadeen Abioye appeared before Justice Kudirat Akano on Wednesday alongside Oba Azeez.
The charge sheet reads, “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, on or about September 3, 2019, at a farm in Oloba within the Ede Judicial Division.
“While armed with firearms and offensive weapons, robbed Wasilatu Akinola and other women processing palm oil with her of about 70 kegs of palm oil, palm kernel, palm fruits, goats and other domestic animals valued at about N10m, and at, or immediately before or immediately after the time of the robbery did use personal violence to the said Wasilatu Akinola and other women with her.
“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, on September 3, 2019, at a farm in Iloba within Ede Judicial Division willingly and unlawfully set the palace of Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi, Oloba of Iloba and other buildings in Iloba town on fire.”
The offences were contrary to Sections 402, 403A, 443, 2(1), 249(1) of the State Criminal Law 2002.
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However, the defendants entered not guilty pleas to each of the 29 counts that were brought against them.
Bukola Atobatele represented the defense, and Dele Akintayo of the Osun State Ministry of Justice had announced his appearance on behalf of the prosecution.
In his statement to the court, defense attorney Atobatele begged that his clients be permitted to keep the bail that the Magistrate Court had given them.
The charges brought against the defendants before the Magistrate Court were distinct from those before them at the High Court, Akindoyo said, rejecting the defense attorney’s request.
In order to judge on the bail motion, Justice Akano adjourned the case to July 4, 2024 for hearing.
