Osun Prominent Monarch, Four Others Arraigned in Abuja Over Alleged Illegal Gold Mining
Oba Taofeeq Olaposi Osunmakinde, a traditional ruler from Osun State, was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday for his alleged involvement in illegal gold mining in Lege Community, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The monarch, who is the Obawore of Ifetuntun in Ife Central Local Government Area, appeared in court alongside four other defendants: Sheu Mustapha, Sabiru Hashim, Danbaba Ibrahim, and Ade Olap Global Resources Limited. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) charged them with two counts of illegal mining.
The AGF alleged that the group conspired with others still at large to carry out illegal gold mining activities at the Ogunlepo mining site on August 25, 2024, in Lege Community. The charges fall under sections of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004, which carry specific penalties.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The AGF’s counsel, Toluwalope Alex Ojo, requested that the court set a date for the federal government to present its case. Although Ojo did not oppose bail, he requested that the defendants be required to surrender their international passports to the court.
The defendants’ counsel, Vincent Ododo, urged the court to grant them bail, highlighting that the first defendant is a prominent traditional ruler and that the charges do not carry capital punishment. He assured the court that the defendants would attend all future proceedings.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N20 million each, with one surety of equal value. The sureties must reside in Abuja, own landed property, and present a three-year tax clearance certificate. The defendants were also ordered to submit their international passports and recent passport photos to the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.
Until their bail conditions are met, the defendants will be held in Kuje Prison. The case will continue under charge number FHC/A.
