The Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has ordered the remand of 29 suspected Yoruba Nation agitators for invading the premises of the Oyo state Secretariat on Saturday.

The defendants were arraigned on Wednesday for their involvement in the failed invasion of the secretariat and the Governor’s Office.

Masked invaders stormed the secretariat to hoist the Yoruba Nation flag before they were demobilised by joint security personnel.

The defendants faced a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, treasonable felony, belonging to an unlawful society, going armed in public, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and illegal possession of firearms.

Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi remanded the suspects, including a young woman and five elderly women, in Agodi Correctional Centre’s custody.

The magistrate, thereafter, adjourned the matter till August 1 for mention.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Funke Fawole, told the court that the defendants had conspired to commit a treasonable felony on Saturday at about 8:30 a.m.

Ms Fawole said the defendants allegedly formed an intention and manifested the intention to forcefully remove the democratically elected governor of Oyo from office.

She said items recovered from the agitators include guns, cutlasses, charms and knives.

Ms Fawole said the offences contravened Sections 3 and 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap RII, Vol 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

According to her, the offences also contravened Section 62 and were punishable under sections 41 (b), 64, 80, 249 (d), and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

The defendants are Rofiat Ayanwale, 25, ‘F’; Ismaila Adepoju, 45; Saburi Ayanwale, 28; Adeola Elegbede, 27; Anthony Fatoki, 34, and Mathew Olalere, 54; Friday Isaac, 27; Peter Ismaila, 65; Wasiu Fatunmbi, 30; Abefe Muritala, 40; Joseph Adeyemo, 29; Peter Adeyemo, 75; Hammed Adesokan, 37; Lateef Adejumo, 60; Alabi Ogundeji, 55; David Ayoola, 40; Olufemi Ojo, 52; Ezekiel Ajani, 42; Amos Ogundeji, 45; Adeniyi Ademola, 29; Wahab Salaudeen, 56, and Dosumu Toyin, ‘F’, 65.

Others are Esther Abiona, 78, ‘F’; Funsho Omoyajowo, 64, ‘F’; Tola Olufemi, 60, ‘F’; Alabi Oritola, 44; Kayode Fakeye, 45; Titilayo Taiwo, 58, ‘F’ and Yussuf Adebayo, 67.

(NAN)