The Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez, and four other defendants have been remanded in custody over serious allegations of arson, possession of firearms, and damage to farmland.
On Thursday, the Osun State High Court in Ede ordered their remand after the defendants failed to meet the conditions of their bail.
The court had granted bail but set the conditions high, requiring each defendant to post a bond of N5 million and provide two sureties.
One of these sureties must be a civil servant of grade level 16 with landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.
The other must be a recognized traditional ruler.
Despite these requirements, the defendants were unable to secure the necessary arrangements.
As a result, they were seen being transported away from the court in a vehicle belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Service at around 2:10 PM on Thursday.
The group is facing a total of 29 charges, including arson and robbery, stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred on September 3, 2019, in Iloba town.
The prosecution, led by Abiodun Badiora from the state Ministry of Justice, provided a detailed account of the allegations during the court proceedings.
According to the charges, Oba Azeez and his co-defendants unlawfully attacked a group of women processing palm oil, robbing them of valuable items including 70 kegs of palm oil, goats, and other livestock valued at about N10 million.
They allegedly assaulted Wasilatu Akinola, one of the victims, during the robbery.
The charges also include the willful destruction of property.
The defendants are accused of setting fire to the palace of Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi, the Oloba of Iloba, along with other buildings in the town.
Justice Kudirat Akano presided over the hearing and stated that the case would be adjourned until October 16 for the continuation of proceedings.
During this time, the court emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, highlighting the potential consequences if the defendants are found guilty.
Bail was initially granted to the defendants in light of their legal representation.
Bukola Atobatele represented them in court, advocating for their release under the specified conditions.
However, the court made it clear that the conditions were not to be taken lightly.
The gravity of the charges prompted the judge to stress the importance of compliance with the bail requirements.