Attempted Murder, Land Grabbing: Judge Cautions Defendants To Keep Away From Aagba Land

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has warned one Chief Sunday Aderinto and 13 other defendants from Oko Village, standing trial in a case of alleged attempted murder and land grabbing to refrain from further encroaching the Aagba land.

 

Justice Kareem Adedokun declared that earlier court judgment had proven that the land belonged to Aagba village and not the people of Oko and that they cannot lay false claim to it.

Adedokun gave the warning on Thursday after the prosecution, Mr I.O Abdulazeez told the court that the defendants have continuously disregarded the court’s order  to stop all forms of violent attack against the complainants, that is, Dr Isaac Abiodun and the people of Aagba.

He made reference to the petition written by R.A. Ogunwole.& Co. firm in respect of the latest attacks against Aagba village.

At the resumption of trial, Abdulazeez explained to the court that the defendants have remained adamant by continuously encroaching Aagba  land to carry out unlawful activities, thereby, denying his clients the opportunity of working on their farm as a result of incessant violent attacks.

He added that the complainants were ready to  testify.

It would be recalled that Abiodun, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tropical Culture Farm, a farm Estate, alongside the people of Aagba have jointly instituted the suit against the 14 defendants.

According to the complainants, the defendants invaded the Aagba village in 2021,  maiming and destroying property.

They also told the court that they wrote a petition to the Inspector General of Police IGP who ordered a thorough investigation after which he informed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) who in turn ordered the Oyo State Ministry of Justice to institute a criminal case against the defendants.

Also, it would be recalled that some of the defendants were allegedly involved in the April 5 2025 invasion and burning down of some section of Aagba land where a 70-year-old woman died as a result of the injuries sustained from the attack.

 The 13 defendants facing trial alongside Aderinto include; Chief Jimoh Asimiyu, Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro, Rafiu Ganiu and Adejare Adeleru.

Other defendants are; Samson Ogunmola Zachiaus Adeleru, Kamorudeen Ajibade, Raji Rasaq, Mutiu Arowosaye, Oyeyemi Oyelekan Olusegun Oyelekan and Sheriff Adio.

The defendants have pleaded not guilty  to a 27-count charge bordering on alleged attempted murder, assault, robbery, stealing and land grabbing.

Consequently, Justice Adedokun stated that the issue would be addressed on the next adjourned date.

He adjourned the suit until Oct. 9 for continuation of trial.