A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a traditional ruler from Osun, Taofeeq Osunmakinde, and four others in Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged illegal gold mining activities.
News About Nigeria reports that Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order after the defendants were arraigned by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), directing their remand pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions.
Oba Osunmakinde was arraigned alongside four others – Sheu Mustapha, Sabiru Hashim, Danbaba Ibrahim, and Ade Olap Global Resources Limited – on a two-count charge.
AOba Osunmakinde is the Obawore of Ifetuntun in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun.
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.
The alleged offense is said to contravene Section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004 and is punishable under Section 1(8) of the same Act.
Additionally, the monarch and co-defendants were accused of undertaking gold mining without lawful authority on August 25, contrary to Section 1(8) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel to the AGF, Toluwalope Ojo, requested a trial date and asked the court to compel the defendants to deposit their international passports.
Lawyer to the defendants, Vincent Ododo, moved consolidated bail applications, citing the defendants’ reputation and the non-capital nature of the charges.
Justice Nwite admitted them to bail in the sum of N20 million each with one surety in the like sum, ordering the sureties to meet specific requirements.
The judge also ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports and recent passport photographs with the deputy chief registrar of the court.
The defendants were taken to the correctional facility pending their bail perfection, and the matter was adjourned until September 26 for trial.