An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan on Monday revoked the bail granted to two co-defendants in the ongoing trial over the alleged attempted murder of Oba Solomon Akinola, the Oloko of Oko.

The monarch, along with Chief Sunday Aderinto and Adejare Adeleru—whose bail conditions were withdrawn—is standing trial on a 27-count charge that includes attempted murder, land grabbing, and other criminal offences.

Also named in the case are Chief Jimoh Asimiyu, Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro, Rafiu Ganiyu, Samson Ogunmola, Zachiaus Adeleru, Kamorudeen Ajibade, Raji Rasaq, Mutiu Arowosaye, Oyeyemi Oyelekan, Olusegun Oyelekan, and Sheriff Adio.

Presiding Judge Kareem Adedokun ordered the bail revocation after the prosecuting counsel, Mr Isa O. Abdulazeez, informed the court that Aderinto and Adeleru were allegedly involved in a fresh attack on Aagba Community on 5 April.

Justice Adedokun noted that a defendant on trial who commits a new offence could forfeit their bail and ordered the remand of both men at the Agodi Correctional Centre.

He also issued bench warrants for the arrest of several defendants absent from court proceedings: Timothy Aderinto (fourth defendant), Matthew Akintaro (fifth), Rafiu Ganiyu (sixth), Samson Ogunmola (seventh), Zacheus Adeleru (ninth), and Sheriff Adio (15th).

Specifically addressing the continued absence of Akintaro—also known as Paimo—the judge stated that excuses of mental instability would no longer be accepted and that he must be brought to court “dead or alive.”

The case was adjourned until 13 May for a definitive hearing by the defence.

Earlier, the prosecution alleged that the fresh violence in Aagba led to the burning of at least nine homes, including the residence of the community leader, Oba Joshua Adesola. The attack also reportedly resulted in the death of a 70-year-old woman, Madam Rachael Bamidele, and widespread destruction of property.

Responding to the fresh claims, defence counsel Hakeem Sabana told the court he had no knowledge of the recent attack and further stated that he no longer represents the first, second, third, and seventh defendants in the case.

According to earlier filings, residents of Aagba and Tropical Farm Limited first brought legal action against the defendants in November 2023, accusing them of violently invading their community under alleged orders from Oba Akinola.

The Inspector General of Police subsequently mandated an investigation into the matter, which was then handed over to the Attorney General of the Federation and later referred to the Oyo State Ministry of Justice for prosecution.

All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include attempted murder, assault, robbery, theft, and land encroachment.