In a significant legal development, the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has ordered the remand of 41 individuals in Agodi Correctional Facility. This action stems from their alleged involvement in the illegal mining of gold, a property valued at N1.248 million, which belongs to the Oyo State Government.
The defendants, including individuals like Babangida Salihu, Adamu Sanni, Abdulaziz Lawal, and Mamman Ibrahim, stood accused of two counts – conspiracy and illegal mining. During their arraignment, the accused, whose addresses were not provided, entered a plea of guilty.
Chief Magistrate Mrs. O. O. Ogunkanmi, refraining from taking the plea, directed the remand of the accused at Agodi Correctional Facility. This remand is contingent upon the pending outcome of the case file at the Oyo State Ministry of Justice. The magistrate adjourned the matter, scheduling a hearing for February 6.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Sikiru Opaleye, highlighted that the defendants, on January 25, allegedly extracted 24.96 grams of gold from an illegal mine at Onipanu village, Ilaju, Ibadan. This act was done unlawfully, concealing the gold without the consent and authority of the Oyo State Government.
Opaleye, putting the value of the offense at N1.248 million, asserted that it contravened Sections 516 and 396 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000. This legal action underscores the state’s commitment to addressing issues of illegal activities affecting its resources.
