By Kayode Lawal, Abuja
Oba Taofeeq Olaposi Osunmakinde, a traditional ruler in Osun State, was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday alongside four others for alleged illegal gold mining in Ondo State.
The monarch, who is the Obawore of Ifetuntun in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, was put on trial by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on two-count charges.
The other defendants are Sheu Mustapha, Sabiru Hashim, Danbaba Ibrahim, and Ade Olap Global Resources Limited.
The AGF accused the defendants of conspiring to engage in illegal gold mining at the Ogunlepo mining site in Lege community, Odigbo local government area of Ondo State, on August 25, 2024.
The alleged offense is contrary to section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004 and punishable under section 1(8) of the same Act
The alleged offense is contrary to section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004 and punishable under section 1(8) of the same Act.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The counsel to the AGF, Toluwalope Alex Ojo, requested a date to open the federal government’s case against the accused persons. The counsel to the defendants, Vincent Ododo, moved a consolidated bail application, assuring the court that the defendants would not fail to appear for trial.
Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N20 million each with one surety in the like sum. The sureties must be residents in Abuja with ownership of landed properties and must produce a three-year tax clearance certificate.
The defendants must also deposit their international passports and recent passport photographs with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court
The defendants must also deposit their international passports and recent passport photographs with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court. Pending the perfection of their bail conditions, the defendants were ordered to be taken to Kuje prison on remand.
