LASTMA alleged killer acquitted of charges

After considering the entire evidence, the prosecution failed to establish all ingredients of the offences” and therefore discharged and acquitted him

 

Admin I Monday, Sept.30, 2024

 

IKEJA, Lagos – Ibrahim Yusuf, the 29-year old alleged killer  of  Olatunde Victor Awotola, an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMA has been discharged and acquitted.

Justice Oyindamola Ogala, who presided over the matter acquitted and discharged the commercial bus driver for lack of diligent prosecution.

The indigene of Ibadan, Oyo State was charged to court on April 29, 2022 for attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm on an officer on duty.

Delivering the judgement, the court stated that the prosecution failed to proved two counts charge preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.

According to the judge, there was no documentary evidence presented by the sole prosecution witness, neither was there evidence of reporting the incident at the nearest Police station.

Recall that the defendant was accused of attacking the official when he was trying to arrest him on February 12, 2022 at Kosoko Ojodu area of Lagos.

Various media, not CaseFile had reported that the defendant ran into trouble with the LASTMA because he was obstructing vehicular movements along the route when the said official alongside other LASTMA officials attempted to impound his vehicle.

The accused was said to have reached for a knife which he used to stab the victim in the head and neck, abandoned his vehicle and took to his heels.

On Monday, Counsel to the State, A.O Azeez had presented the sole prosecution witness in the case while Bidemi Ademola-Bello represented the defendant before the judge gave the verdict.

According to the judge, “After considering the entire evidence, the prosecution failed to establish all ingredients of the offences” and therefore discharged and acquitted him.