There was a drama at the Ekiti State High Court 6 in Ado-Ekiti on
Thursday when seven persons accused of complicity in the murder of
ex-National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chairman Omolafe
Aderiye “interrogated” and “disowned” a lawyer, who announced appearance
for them.
Standing trial are Adebayo Aderiye (aka Ojuigo), Adeniyi Adedipe (aka
Apase), Sola Durodola, Oso Farotimi (aka Oso Polo), Ajayi Kayode (aka
Sir Kay), Joseph Olanbiwonnu (aka Mentilo) and Sola Adenijo (aka Solar).
Omolafe was killed on September 25, 2014. The state filed a murder
case against the suspects the next month after Governor Ayo Fayose
assumed office. The slain former NURTW chief was an associate of the
governor.
The case was stalled at the lower court following non-hearing of an
application filed by the state at the Court of Appeal, Ado-Ekiti
Division.
Families and associates of the accused on Monday protested at the
Court of Appeal, urging the judges to expedite action on applications
and motions before them, to allow the conclusion of trial at the High
Court.
Drama started after three lawyers announced their appearance before
Justice Lekan Ogunmoye.
Ahmed Tafa appeared for the prosecution, while
Olowofela Adebayo announced appearance for the fifth and seventh
defendants (Farotimi and Adenijo). Pamela Isinkinma appeared for the
fourth defendant (Kayode).
The accused grumbled about the appearance of Olowofela, whom they
described as a “complete stranger to the case”. They said they suspected
foul play.
Justice Ogunmoye watched the drama, while the families and associates of the accused were bemused. They murmured.
Aderiye said: “From which chamber are you?” The same question was
echoed by Adenijo, who added in Yoruba: “Iwo o kii n se loya wa o”,
meaning, “You are not our lawyer.”
Adedipe said: “My lord, we don’t know this lawyer and we can’t allow
him to speak for us. If indeed he is our lawyer, he should have
exchanged pleasantries with us before hearing began. That is the normal
scenario. We don’t know him sir.”
As the lawyers agreed on a new date for the case, Olanbiwonnu told
Olowofela in Yoruba: “Ma mu deeti fun wa o, ki lo n se ogbeni yii?”,
meaning, “Don’t pick any date for us, what is wrong with this fellow?”
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