Four defendants, Osun monarch, face trial for alleged gold mining in Abuja

Oba Taofeeq Olaposi Osunmakinde, a traditional ruler from Osun State, was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday. He faces charges related to illegal gold mining activities in Lege Community, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Oba Osunmakinde, the Obawore of Ifetuntun in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, is on trial alongside four other defendants. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has brought the case against them, presenting two counts of charges.

The additional defendants include Sheu Mustapha, Sabiru Hashim, Danbaba Ibrahim, and Ade Olap Global Resources Limited.

According to the AGF, the five individuals are accused of conspiring with others to illegally mine gold at the Ogunlepo site in Lege community on August 25, 2024. This activity allegedly violates Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004 and is punishable under Section 1(8) of the same Act.

The defendants are also charged with conducting gold mining without lawful authority on the same date, which also contravenes Section 1(8) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.

Following the pleas, AGF counsel Toluwalope Alex Ojo requested that Justice Emeka Nwite schedule a date for the federal government to present its case. While not opposing bail, Ojo asked the court to require the defendants to surrender their international passports.

Vincent Ododo, representing the defendants, submitted consolidated bail applications, urging Justice Nwite to grant bail on several grounds. He emphasized that the first defendant is a prominent traditional ruler and noted that the charges do not carry capital punishment, assuring the court of the defendants’ commitment to attend all court proceedings.

In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N20 million, requiring them to provide one surety in the same amount. The sureties must be Abuja residents with property ownership and must present a three-year tax clearance certificate.

Additionally, Justice Nwite instructed that the defendants deposit their international passports and three copies of their recent passport photographs with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court.

Until they meet their bail conditions, the defendants are to be remanded at Kuje prison.

Their trial will proceed under the charge marked FHC/A.