Trial of former Oyo NURTW chairman adjourned
The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has adjourned the trial of Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, also known as ‘Auxiliary,’ a former chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state. The defendant faces 17 charges, including armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the prosecution presented its seventh witness, Mr. Fatai Awodele, who testified about an alleged attack on May 29, 2023, at the Ikolaba residence of Governor Seyi Makinde.
According to Awodele, the defendant and his entourage, armed with weapons such as cutlasses and sticks, injured him and others, stealing cash and personal belongings in the process.
Awodele recounted that he was attacked and left unconscious before being rescued by a passerby who took him to a police station, from where he received medical treatment.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr. S.O. Adeoye, led the case, supported by a legal team that included Mrs. O.S. Tella and Mrs. O.A. Bolarinwa. The defense team, headed by Olalekan Ojo [SAN], cross-examined Awodele, challenging his ability to identify the attackers amid the commotion.
Justice Bayo Taiwo, who presided over the case, adjourned the hearing to Thursday, January 9, 2025, for further proceedings.
Auxiliary had pleaded not guilty to the charges in an earlier court session held on November 27, 2024. The charges against him, filed under the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, CAP R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, include allegations of violence and theft.
The trial has attracted significant attention, with the Executive Assistant on Security to Governor Makinde, retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, present in court to observe the proceedings.
