Traditional Ruler, Four Others Remanded Over Illegal Gold Mining in Ondo

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a traditional ruler from Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, and four others in Kuje Correctional Centre for their alleged involvement in 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 accused, which includes Oba Osunmakinde, Sheu Mustapha, Sabiru Hashim, Danbaba Ibrahim, and Ade Olap Global Resources Limited, were charged with two counts of illegal mining activities carried out in Lege Community, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State on August 25.

The prosecution, led by Toluwalope Ojo from the AGF’s office, accused the defendants of conspiring with others still at large to unlawfully mine gold at the Ogunlepo mining site. These charges are in violation of Section 3(6) and Section 1(8) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004, which outline the consequences of illegal mining activities in Nigeria.

All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Although the prosecution did not oppose their bail, it requested the court to ensure the accused surrender their international passports as part of the bail conditions.

Defense counsel Vincent Ododo sought bail for the defendants, emphasizing that Oba Osunmakinde is a respected traditional ruler and the charges they face do not carry capital punishment. Ododo also assured the court that the defendants would attend their trial.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite granted bail to the defendants, setting the sum at N20 million each, with one surety of the same amount. The court mandated that the sureties reside in Abuja, own landed property, and present a three-year tax clearance certificate. Additionally, the defendants were instructed to deposit their international passports and recent passport photographs with the court’s deputy chief registrar.

Until their bail conditions are met, the judge ordered that the defendants remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre. The trial is scheduled to resume on September 26.