29 suspected members of Yoruba nation agitators arraigned in Oyo

Twenty-nine suspected members of the Yoruba Nation were on Wednesday arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrate Court for their involvement and roles in the aborted invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat on Saturday, April 13.

They were arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on treasonable felony, unlawful society, illegal possession of firearm, going armed and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

According to the Investigative Police Officer, Bakare Rasaq, an Inspector with the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan, the offenses are contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol.II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

The number is an increase of eight more following the parade of 21 suspects rrested by the Oyo Police Command.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Hazmat Adebola, had on Monday, paraded 21 suspected Yoruba Nation agitators at the state Police Headquarters, Eleyele in Ibadan, describing the act as criminal, unpatriotic and a clear case of treasonable felony and terrorism which would be meted with adequate sanctions.

The masked men in army camouflage with rifles and charms were stationed at different locations within the area, a development that sent panic to the residents and road users along the routes.

Security operatives on duty at the Secretariat were unable to disperse the agitators until the arrival of policemen from the state command and other anti-crime agencies, in conjunction with members of the Nigerian Army, 2 Division, who demobilised them.