By Adeyinka Adeniran
The ongoing trial of a former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, also known as Auxiliary continued on Wednesday with the Prosecution calling the 7th Witness to oral evidence.
The case which started at the Fiat Court 2, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan presided over by Justice Bayo Taiwo however held at Court 7 under the same Lordship.
Corenews.ng reports that Auxiliary who was also a former Chairman of the State Disciplinary Committe of the Park Management System (PMS) is facing trial on 17 count charge bothering on armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, possession of firearm, including one AK-47 assault rifle, two SMG riffle with magazine.
The offence, according to the Prosecutor is contrary to any punishable under Section 1(2)(a) and (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, CAP RII, Vol.14, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The matter with suit number I/74c/2024: State Versus Mukaila Lamidi (Auxiliary) is before Justice Bayo Taiwo.
The Defendant was in court on Wednesday.
The case is one of the ongoing trials of the former Oyo NURTW boss. The case bothers on offences allegedly committed on 29th of May, 2023 at about 2PM at the Ikolaba, Ibadan residence of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd) was also in court to observe the proceedings.
Corenews.ng reports that the defendant (Auxiliary) had pleaded not guilty to 17 count charge read to him on November 27th, 2024.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr S. O. Adeoye, had on November 27 opened trial by calling on two witnesses to give their oral testimonies.
Other lawyers that appeared alongside the DPP include: Mrs O. S Tella (Deputy DPP) and Mrs O. A. Bolarinwa (Senior State Counsel).
During Wednesday proceedings, the Prosecution called the 7th Witness (PW7), Mr Fatai Awodele, a driver who gave oral witness out of the 16 witnesses listed to appear on the matter.
He told the court he was attack on the fateful day and severely injured, adding that his wristwatch and sum of N65,000 cash on him were also taken by men who accompanied the former NURTW boss on the attack.
He said the Defendant and his entourage, all adorning red caps stormed the governor’s Ikolaba residence with cutlass, knives, sticks among other dangerous weapons.
Awodele said he could only leave the scene after he regained consciousness and a motorcyclist driving by took him to the Testing Ground Police Station to lodge a formal complaint, from where an ambulance was secured to convey himself and some other individuals who were also attacked to the Government House Clinic for medical attention
During the cross examination, Defendant’s Counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN asked the PW7 to mention the names and or nicknames of some of the men in the entourage of the defendant on the said day.
Ojo was also accompanied by other lawyers including: Tope Olayinka, Mrs Madiagu, E. O Mbam, Babajide Bolodeoku and Olalekan Adeoye.
He also questioned the PW7 if he knew anything about the operations of the disbanded NURTW, particularly their various political affiliations which cuts across different political parties in the state.
After series of questions, Ojo however challenged the PW7 that he cannot identify the person who attacked him on the said day, having earlier confirmed that numerous individuals and security operatives were all at the location on the day.
Ruling, the Judge however adjourned the matter till Thursday, January 9th, for continuation of hearing.
