Osun Traditional Ruler Arraigned Over Alleged Illegal Gold Mining in Ondo State

Oba Taofeeq Olaposi Osunmakinde, a traditional ruler in Osun State, was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday over allegations of illegal gold mining in the Lege Community, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Oba Osunmakinde, the Obawore of Ifetuntun in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, was charged alongside four other defendants on a two-count charge by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The other individuals standing trial with the traditional ruler are Sheu Mustapha, Sabiru Hashim, Danbaba Ibrahim, and Ade Olap Global Resources Limited.

The defendants are accused of conspiring with others who are still at large to engage in illegal gold mining activities at the Ogunlepo mining site in the Lege community on 25 August 2024.

The prosecution alleges that their actions are in violation of section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 2004 and are punishable under section 1(8) of the same Act.

Specifically, the charges assert that the accused undertook the illegal mining of gold without lawful authority, which is an offence punishable under the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

The allegations underscore the broader issues of illegal mining and environmental degradation that have plagued resource-rich areas in Nigeria, often involving collusion between local authorities and private entities.

When the charges were read in court, all five defendants pleaded not guilty.

Following their pleas, Toluwalope Alex Ojo, counsel for the AGF, requested Justice Emeka Nwite to schedule a date for the federal government to present its case against the accused.

While Ojo did not oppose granting bail to the defendants, he urged the court to impose conditions that would include the surrender of their international passports to prevent them from leaving the country during the trial.

Representing the defendants, Vincent Ododo submitted consolidated bail applications, arguing for their release on several grounds.

He highlighted that the first defendant, Oba Osunmakinde, is a respected traditional ruler and that the charges against them do not involve capital punishment.

Ododo further assured the court that all defendants would comply with court appearances throughout the trial.

In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite granted bail to all five defendants. The bail was set at N20 million each, with one surety of the same amount required for each defendant.

The judge specified that the sureties must reside in Abuja, possess landed properties, and present a three-year tax clearance certificate as proof of their financial standing.

Additionally, the defendants were ordered to deposit their international passports and provide three recent passport photographs with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.

Justice Nwite also mandated that the defendants remain in custody at Kuje prison until their bail conditions are fulfilled.

This decision reflects the court’s intent to ensure compliance with legal processes while recognising the non-capital nature of the offences charged.

The case, marked FHC/A, is a high-profile example of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with illegal mining activities that deplete the nation’s natural resources and pose significant environmental and economic challenges.

Illegal mining, often carried out without regard for environmental regulations, has been linked to severe ecological damage, including deforestation, water contamination, and soil erosion, which ultimately harm local communities.

The trial is also emblematic of the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s legal and regulatory frameworks in managing the mining sector.

Despite the country’s vast mineral wealth, including significant deposits of gold, the sector has been marred by illegal activities, inadequate regulation, and conflicts over resource control.

These issues not only diminish potential revenue from the mining sector but also contribute to localised conflicts and lawlessness.

As the trial progresses, it will likely draw attention to the role of traditional authorities and private companies in the illegal exploitation of natural resources.

The involvement of Oba Osunmakinde, a recognised community leader, underscores the complexities of enforcing mining regulations in regions where traditional rulers wield significant influence.

It also highlights the need for stricter oversight and collaboration between federal and local authorities to combat illegal mining.

Furthermore, the case raises questions about the effectiveness of existing laws and the capacity of judicial processes to deter illegal mining activities.

With the Nigerian government aiming to diversify the economy and reduce dependency on oil, a well-regulated mining sector could play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.

However, achieving this requires robust enforcement of existing laws, transparency in mining operations, and a commitment to sustainable practices that protect the environment and benefit local communities.

The arraignment of Oba Osunmakinde and his co-defendants is a step towards addressing illegal mining in Nigeria.

The outcome of the trial will be closely watched as it may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future and influence efforts to reform the mining sector to ensure that it contributes positively to the nation’s economy and environmental sustainability.