Sunday, 6 October 2013

Drama as remanded suspect appears in public

 “My Lord, I saw Ihenro walking along the streets. My sister also saw him too,” Ukpaka said.



An Ogudu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos witnessed a mild drama when an accused, Modestus Ihenro, who was remanded at the Kirikiri Prisons, Apapa, was reportedly sighted on the streets.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ihenro, who was to appear for trial, could not be presented in court by the prison authorities on demand by the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Omolade Awope.

The complainant, Mrs. Shirley Ukpaka, told the court at the resumed hearing of the case that the accused, who had yet to perfect his bail, was seen walking in the streets.

“My Lord, I saw Ihenro walking along the streets. My sister also saw him too,” Ukpaka said.


The Chief Magistrate, who expressed dismay at the development, summoned the prison warder, Mr. Emmanuel George, and queried why the accused was not present in court for trial.

“My Lord, I was only given four names of those to be presented in court and they are all here,” George told the court.

Counsel to the accused, Mr. Adesola Adenike, told the court that the accused was brought to court for trial on September 30, 2013.

Responding, Awope, said; “Why was the accused brought to court on September 30, 2013? I did not adjourn this case till September 30, (2013) but October 2, (2013) I will not support criminality,” she said.

Awope, however, ordered the prison official and the counsel to the accused to ensure that he was brought to the court before she adjourned the day’s sitting.

The accused was arraigned on September 4, 2013 for allegedly stealing a Toyota Corolla car with Registration No. LSR-47BF, valued at N2 million.

The accused, a resident of No. 9, Church Street, Ikeja, Lagos, is facing a two-count-charge of stealing and conspiracy.

He, however, pleaded not guilty.

Police prosecutor, Corporal Adeniran Adekemi, said the accused committed the offences on August 27, 2013 at No. 40, Ogudu Road, Lagos, at 11:30 a.m.

Awope had granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case.

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