Justice Kareem Adedokun of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, on Wednesday, dismissed the no-case submission filed by the Oloko of Oko, Oba Solomon Akinola, and 14 others in their trial for attempted murder and land grabbing.
The defense counsel, Mr. L.A. Hammed, had prayed the court to declare that his clients had no case to answer because the prosecution failed to prove its case against them.
The co-defendants in the trial are -Chief Sunday Aderinto, Chief Jimoh Asimiyu, Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro, Rafiu Ganiu, and Adejare Adeleru.
Others are – Samson Ogunmola Zachiaus Adeleru, Kamorudeen Ajibade, Raji Rasaq, Mutiu Arowosaye, Oyeyemi Oyelekan Olusegun Oyelekan and Sheriff Adio.
They are facing a 27-count charge of alleged attempted murder, assault, robbery, stealing, and land grabbing.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The offences, according to the prosecution, were allegedly committed on May 7, 10, 27, and September 3, 2021, respectively at Aagba, in Surulere Local Government area of Oyo State.
The judge in his ruling declared that the defendants’ no-case submission had no merit.
He said: “The prosecution has been able to establish various facts through the different witnesses who were the victims in the matter.
“Also, the witnesses were able to identify all the defendants as perpetrators of the offences.
“Therefore, the no-case submission filed by the defence counsel has no merit, and same is dismissed.”
He consequently adjourned the case till April 14 for the defendants to open their case.