Ibadan: An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, on Wednesday, adjourned the continuation of the hearing in the trial of Mukaila Lamidi (Auxiliary), the former Chairman of the state Park Management System, until March 4 and March 5.
Justice O.A. Adetujoye on Tuesday adjourned the alleged armed robbery and murder case against Lamidi due to the defendant’s purported ill health.
The judge consequently summoned the medical doctor at the Agodi Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to appear before her to speak on the health status of Lamidi.
During the proceedings, Dr Adeyemi Babatunde from the Agodi Custodial Center informed the court that Lamidi had been coming to the hospital before, but had been stable.
Adeyemi said that Lamidi was brought from court on Tuesday, and that he was informed that the latter had slumped while sitting, waiting for his case to be mentioned.
The medical doctor said that further tests need to be conducted on the defendant to determine what was actually wrong with him.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that proceedings in Lamidi’s case on Tuesday could not continue because of the defendant’s absence due to purported ill health.
The Defence Counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN, while addressing the court, said he learnt that Lamidi was sick.
Surprised, Justice Taiwo asked the state prosecution team comprising O.S Tella, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions; O.A Bolarinwa, Senior State Counsel; and F.F Gbadamosi, if they were aware of the development.
The Lead Prosecutor, O.S. Tella, told the Judge she was aware of the entire incident, as seen in open court.
Lamidi was initially arraigned in the case with suit No : HER/ 1c/ 2024, on charges of armed robbery and murder at Eruwa, Ibarapa LGA.
The case was later moved to Ibadan.
