The Oyo State Government, through Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has commenced the prosecution 13 offenders over alleged wilful and malicious road kerb damages in Ibadan, the state capital.
Farinde Lawal, Akanji Kazeem, Abidemi Isiaq and 10 others were arrested by OYRLEA on Tuesday, on Tuesday, 20 January, 2026 and were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court, Ibadan Magisterial District, Iwo Road, on charges of conspiracy and wilful damage, on Wednesday.
The arrest and trial of the 13 persons were part of stringent action taken by the state government in enforcing the rule of law following increasing cases of damages to state road infrastructure in the state capital.
The enforcement exercise was led by the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Honourable Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.), alongside the enforcement team.
As contained in the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired and maliciously damaged the road kerbs constructed by the Oyo State Government, on 20 January 2026 at Odejayi Area, Old Ife Road, and New Gbagi Area, Ibadan.
The offences were said to be contrary to Sections 516 and 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap 35, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
During proceedings, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and the presiding Magistrate subsequently granted them bail, with stringent conditions.
Each defendant is to produce two sureties, one of whom must be a blood relation, while the other must be a government worker.
The government-employed surety is required to present evidence of a minimum balance of ₦200,000 in their bank account, a valid two-year tax clearance certificate as well as proof of title to land within jurisdiction.
As stated in a release e-signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Prince ‘Dotun Oyelade, the court adjourned the case to 13 February, 2026 for further mention.
Meanwhile, OYRLEA has frawned at increasing cases of road kerb damages, especially occurring within the Ibadan Metropolis.
It restated its commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure and ensuring that individuals found to be in violation of the law are held accountable through due legal processes.
OYRLEA assured members of the public that it will continue to act within the ambit of the law to protect government assets and uphold order across Oyo State.
