Alleged N7bn Oil Theft: Governor Stops Trial Of Suspects
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Ondo State governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has stopped further trial of three persons alleged to have stolen palm oil worth N7bn from the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company.
The three suspects, Orimisan Adelokiki, Bose Ogunnowo and Rachel Akinrinu are members of the Ikale Supreme Civil Rights Council (ISCRC) who were arrested last month for protesting the lease renewal to Okitipupa Oil Palm Company.
A seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, communal war, threats to life, possession of arms, theft totaling N7 billion, and breach of public peace were preferred against them.
They were subsequently remanded to Olokota Correctional Centre.
At the resumed hearing Tuesday, they were granted bail by Magistrate Damilola Sekoni after the Ondo State government requested the court to withdraw the two criminal charges against them.
Sekoni granted them bail in the sum of N500,000 or one surety in like sum.
Ondo Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, who was represented by Director of Public Prosecutions, Taiwo Olubodun, had prayed for the withdrawal of the first two charges related to conspiracy to commit felony and cause of communal war.
He said there was need to reduce and ameliorate tensions in the area to avoid communal conflict.
Counsel to the complainants, Tobi Ogunleye, said the intervention of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other local stakeholders helped restore peace to the region.
He stated that the desire for reconciliation between the parties led to the withdrawal of serious charges.
The defendants were, therefore, re-arraigned on five remaining charges, including theft, threats to life, criminal possession of charms, and breach of public peace.
Magistrate Sekoni adjourned the case yo June 27, 2025, for further hearing.
A member of the community, Adewale Adelokiki, said intervention of Governor Aiyedatiwa and other elder statesmen that led to the withdrawal of charges against the community members.
“We appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa for assistance, and he responded. The governor spoke with General Olu Bajowa (Rtd), who organised a peace meeting involving our team, the protesters, Ikale leaders, army representatives, and the governor’s representative. Several issues were discussed and resolved,
“We agreed in that meeting to reopen Ikoya Estate, which was a condition for the release of those in detention,” he said.
