Court Advices Prosecutor On Ogundokun’s Arrest

A magistrate sitting in Somolu, Lagos, Mrs Fimosola Azeez, yesterday advised that a warrant be obtained for the arrest of an accused, Abiola Ogundokun, for not being in court.

Mrs Azeez implored a principal state counsel, Mrs A.O. Olugasa, who represented the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to apply for the warrant from the office of the Attorney-General of the state and commissioner for justice.

Ogundokun, a People Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and one Aramide Olufowobi, are standing trial for alleged theft.

The police accused them of burglary and stealing a brochure on the planned inauguration of Osun State Action Congress (AC) standard bearer Rauf Aregbesola as governor from the premises of Bankered Limited, Somolu, last March 31.

Ogundokun was absent in court.

He is said to be at large.  This prompted Mrs. Azeez to ask the prosecution to apply for a warrant to arrest him.

There was drama at the proceedings as the defence counsel, Femi Aina, challenged the court’s power to try his client.

Aina drew ire when he applied for the case to be struck out, citing her ruling at the last hearing that her court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

But Mrs. Azeez insisted  that her court has jurisdiction to try the accused, saying that was why she entertained their pleas in the first place.

She faulted the eight paragraph application brought by Aina for the case to be struck out, condemning the language he used.

Mrs. Azeez chided Aina for not “thoroughly” reading his application before presentation, advising counsel to always cross-check their applications before bringing them.

She adjourned the case till October 5.