The alleged killer of prominent Lagos lawyer and human rights
activist, Kunle Fadipe, was Wednesday arraigned before a Lagos
High
Court for murder.
The 25-year-old suspect, Oluwaseun Oladapo, is
also standing trial for the murder of Fadipe’s mother-in-law, Mrs
Cecilia Owolabi.
Oladapo, a carpenter and a resident of
No. 24,
Osho St., Panseke, Abeokuta, Ogun is facing a five-count charge of
murder, armed robbery and assault occasioning harm before Justice
Oluwatoyin Ipaye.
The prosecution led by Mrs Idowu Alakija of the
Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) alleged that Oladapo committed
the offences on 4 July, 2014 at Fadipe’s residence located at No. 1,
Harmony Estate, Ifako-Ijaiye, Iju area of Lagos.
According to her, Oladapo, while armed with a kitchen knife gained
forceful entry into Fadipe’s home to rob him of an unspecified sum of
money.
She said in a struggle that ensued during the armed robbery
attack, the accused also known as Spider Man, stabbed Fadipe as well as
members of his family which included son Folahanmi, his mother-in-law
Mrs Cecelia Owolabi and Abiola Owolabi.
Alakija said Fadipe
sustained numerous stab wounds to his body in the knife attack while his
mother-in-law got a stab injury to the chest.
The prosecution stated and the injuries were fatal as they led to their deaths.
Alakija said the offences contravened Sections 171, 221 and 295(2)(a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.
Oladapo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After the charges were read to the accused, Alakija made a request to the court that the trial should commence immediately.
“My
Lord, we would like the trial to commence immediately because we have
two prosecution witnesses in court who are ready to testify,” Alakija
said.
The defence counsel, Mr Worer Obuagbaka, however, objected
to Alakija’s request because he was not ready to proceed with the trial.
“My
Lord, I was just given the brief to defend the accused less than an
hour ago. From my perusal of the proof of evidence before me, there is
no autopsy report available.
“This is a grievous offence and the defence needs adequate time to prepare for the trial,” he said.
Justice Ipaye subsequently adjourned the case till 17 and 18 August for the prosecution to open its case.
Source: PM News
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