A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a traditional ruler in Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, along with four others, in the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations of illegal gold mining.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the remand order on Monday after the defendants were arraigned by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). The judge ruled that they should remain in custody until their bail conditions are met.
The accused persons include Oba Osunmakinde, the Obawore of Ifetuntun in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, alongside Sheu Mustapha, Sabiru Hashim, Danbaba Ibrahim, and a corporate entity, Ade Olap Global Resources Limited. They were arraigned on a two-count charge for allegedly engaging in illegal gold mining activities in Lege Community, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to the AGF, the accused conspired with others at large to illegally mine gold on August 25 at the Ogunlepo mining site in Lege community. This act, the prosecution argued, violated Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004 and is punishable under Section 1(8) of the same Act.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Toluwalope Ojo, requested a trial date while also asking the court to ensure the defendants submit their international passports as part of their bail conditions. Although Ojo did not oppose their bail, he emphasized the need for strict conditions to prevent flight risk.
Defense counsel, Vincent Ododo, filed a consolidated bail application, citing the first defendant’s status as a respected traditional ruler. He also argued that the charges did not carry the death penalty and assured the court that his clients would attend trial.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum. The sureties are required to reside in Abuja, own landed property, and provide a three-year tax clearance certificate. Additionally, the defendants must surrender their international passports and three recent passport-sized photographs to the court’s deputy chief registrar.
The judge ordered their remand in the Kuje Correctional Centre until they fulfill the bail conditions and set the trial date for September 26.
