By Adeyinka Adeniran
The hearing of a case of dangerous driving by a former Oyo state Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mukaila Lamidi was on Tuesday stalled due to the absence of his lead Counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN in court.
He was accused of engaging in dangerous driving which resulted in the death of one Wonuola Ayinde on September, 23rd, 2025.
The matter was slated for hearing at Court 10, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, presided over by Justice Ezekiel Ajayi.
Prosecution was led by Mr. S. O Adeoye, the Director of Public Prosecution. He was supported in court by Mrs O. S Tella (Deputy DPP), Mr G. A Ramoni (Senior State Counsel) and O. A Alagbala (State Counsel).
The defendant was also in court. The case with suit number I/75C/2024 is: State Versus Mukaila Lamidi.
It is the third case the former NURTW boss is battling with the State at the State High Court.
Auxiliary who was a former Chairman, Disciplinary Committee of the State Park Management System (PMS) is facing a lone count charge of dangerous driving.
The charge sheet said Mukaila Lamidi, on or about 23rd day of September, 2023 at about 1630hours at GRA, Agodi, Ibadan in the Ibadan Judicial Division did cause the death of one Wonuola Ayinde by knocking and crushing her with his car.
The offence, the sheet added was contrary to Section 317 and punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2020.
Although, Mrs E.O Mbam held brief for her Principal, Olalekan Ojo, in defence of the Defendant (Auxiliary).
She told the court that the team will not proceed with the case because the Senior Advocate requested her to appeal to the court for an adjournment, as he would be willing to handle the case in person, as he had assured his client of doing so.
She said the legal luminary could not be in court due to certain exigencies beyond control.
Speaking earlier, the Prosecutor (DPP) informed the court that the State is ready to proceed with the trial adding that both the civilian and official (Police) witnesses to be presented were in court.
He called the witness to rise to indicate their presence in court.
The Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd) was also in court.
Mbah also informed the court of an application for the bail of the defendant but the DPP told the court that he has not been served and not aware of such.
Before giving a ruling, the Presiding judge, Justice Ezekiel Ajayi confirmed that the State has proved to readiness for the trial by bringing witnesses to court but that the defence counsel are not ready to proceed.
He however adjourned the matter to January 13th, 2025 for definite hearing.
