The Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso charged Oba Solomon Akinola, the traditional ruler of Oko kingdom, and 14 others with alleged attempted murder and motorcycle theft on Friday.
The other accused persons are Sunday Aderinto, Jimoh Asimiyu, Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro, Rafiu Ganiu, Adejare Adeleru, Zachiaus Adeleru, Kamorudeen Ajibade, Raji Rasaq, Mutiu Arowosaye, Oyeyemi Oyelekan, Olusegun Oyelekan, Sheriff Adio, and Samson Ogunmola.
The state prosecutor, I.O. Abdulazeez, said the defendants faced a 29-count charge of alleged conspiracy, rough handling, attempted murder, robbery, stealing, damaging property, forceful entry, and assault.
He said the offences were committed on May 7 and 10 and September 3, 2021, at Aagba, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He added that the case was based on a petition by Isaac Abiodun, who claimed to have received threats to his life over a land dispute in Aagba. Mr. Abiodun had obtained a court judgment as the rightful owner of the land.
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Mr. Abdulazeez said the defendants violated sections 516, 355, 320, 332, 390 (3), 7 (4), and 7(c ) 451 of the Criminal Codes Cap. 38, vol. ii, 38 Law of Oyo State 2000.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, and their counsel, M. Folounsho, argued that the suit was improperly filed and asked the court not to remand his clients.
Justice K.A. Adedokun, however, advised the state prosecutor to file the suit properly and adjourned the case till November 21 for re-arraignment.