The trial of five suspects in the case of the lynched 25-year-old driver, Temitope Olorunfemi, in Akure, on Thursday, was stalled by the prosecutor’s absence.
The suspects, Victor Amos, 30; Boboye Ismalia, 32; Pelumi Farotimi, 42; Nurudeen Kumuyi, 22; and Samuel Olatunji, 23, were arraigned before the Oke Eda Chief Magistrate Court in Akure.
They were arraigned before the court by the police on three counts of felony, unlawful murder, and arson in charge number MAK/136c/2023.
According to the charge, the offences of the suspects contravene sections 324, 316(1), and 451(6)(J) of the Criminals Code, Cap 37 Vol. 2 Laws of Ondo.
Chief Magistrate Musa Al-Yunus, on Tuesday, adjourned the murder case until Thursday (today) following an application sought by the defence counsel.
At the mention of the case on Thursday, the prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin, was said to be away for “emergency training” outside the jurisdiction.
The development forced Mr Al-Yunus to adjourn the case until April Friday and stated that the suspects should remain in police custody.
At the last appearance, the prosecution had accused the five suspects and others at large of committing the offence on April 10, 2023, at about 9:00 a.m., opposite Odopo Town Hall, along Ijoka Road, Akure.
Mr Akintimehin informed the court that the accused conspired to commit a felony and unlawful murder of the deceased, Mr Olorunfemi, suspected as an internet fraudster.
He said the five suspects murdered the deceased in cold blood and maliciously damaged a Toyota Camry car with number plate KRD 627 GY by setting it ablaze.
The court, however, did not take the pleas of the accused before adjourning the case.
Photo attached: The suspects while appearing in court on Thursday morning. Photo by Tosin.
