Crime
Update from Offa robbery court case
Defence Counsel, Martia Eberebe, on Friday, prayed before Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin to order the autopsy of the principal suspect, Michael Adikwu, who was said to have died of malaria fever.
Eberebe, said the nature of Adikwu’s death that is still shredded in secrecy is making the police to suppress fact that would have helped the court in determining the fate of other suspects who are in the trial.
Meanwhile, the 4th defendant, Salaudeen Azeez, informed the court during his evidence that Adikwu was shot dead by one Insp. Vincent.
The lead prosecuting counsel, Wahab Egbewole SAN, urged the court to discountenance the submission of the defence counsel saying Adikwu’s statement is not before the court.
He added that dragging the principal suspect into the matter is irrelevant.
The five accused persons standing trial in connection with the robbery attack are Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salaudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran.
Azeez, had earlier informed the court that the police tortured him to make false confession in the statement obtained from him.
“I was beaten with plank on the head by the police to make false confession against myself, when I declined, they tied my legs and my hands and threatened to kill me if I fail to cooperate.
“I told them that I am an illeterate when the police brought paper and biro for me to write, so the police wrote that I am one of the suspect of Offa robbery attack and asked me to thumb print
“That was how I made confessional statement under duress” the suspects said.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Haleemat Salman, in his short ruling, adjourned the case until July 22 for continuation of trial.
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