‘If you want to sentence me, go ahead’ — Defendant dares Ondo court
By Boye Oyeyemi –
There was mild tension at the Akungba-Akoko Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday when a suspect, Segun Orungbeja, openly challenged the court during his arraignment.
The incident occurred when the presiding magistrate, K. A. Kolawole, asked the defendant to explain the circumstances that led to his appearance in court.
Orungbeja, who spoke angrily, reportedly told the court, “If you want to sentence me, go ahead; my God is watching you.”
The defendant was arraigned on allegations of threatening to kill one Abiodun Akintunde with a cutlass.
Prosecuting counsel, Inspector Ola Boboye, told the court that Orungbeja also allegedly behaved in a manner capable of causing a breach of the peace by persistently demanding money from the complainant, who, he said, owed him nothing.
According to the charge, the alleged offence is punishable under Section 86 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
Counsel for the defendant, Eniayewu B. J., appealed to the court to grant bail, urging the magistrate to show leniency and assuring the court that his client would not abscond.
In his ruling, the magistrate granted the defendant bail but ordered that he be remanded pending the perfection of the bail conditions, while adjourning the case until February 4, 2026.
