By Adeyinka Adeniran
Justice Bayo Taiwo of Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan has adjourned till March 27, 2025 for continuation of the trial of former Chairman, Disciplinary Committee, Oyo State Park Management System, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi also known as Auxiliary.
During the last sitting, Justice Taiwo had ordered for a trial within a trial to determine if the video confessional statement made by the defendant was obtained voluntarily.
The prosecuting Counsel, who is the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Oyo State Ministry of Justice, Mr S. O . Adeoye had submitted a video confessional statement obtained by the prosecuting witness, Inspector Felix Adegoke from the defendant as exhibit.
But, at the resumed trial, the prosecuting witness, Inspector Adegoke from Oyo State Police Command Eleyele, Ibadan narrated how the defendant voluntarily gave the statement without fear or intimidation.
While cross examining the prosecuting witness, the defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria alleged that the defendant, Alhaji Lamidi was handcuffed and denied of his legal representation right during the duration of the video recorded statement.
Mr Ojo (SAN) also alleged that his client was beaten while in the custody of the Police, adding that the investigating Police officer, Mr Adegoke was not speaking the truth when he said the statement was obtained within an hour.
The prosecuting witness, Inspector Adegoke, however, denied that such act happened when the statement was taken.
After listening to the cross examination of the witness by the defence counsel, Justice Bayo Taiwo ordered for viewing of the video evidence submitted as exhibit by the prosecuting counsel.
Justice Taiwo then adjourned the trial till tomorrow, March 27, 2025.
Corenews reports that, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, also known as Auxiliary, former chairman, Disciplinary Committee of the state Park Management System, PMS, is standing trial on 17 count charges bordering on armed robbery, attempted murder, murder,and possession of firearms.
