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Late Lawyer, Kunle Fadipe |
Oluwaseun Oladapo, the alleged killer of
prominent Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Kunle Fadipe, was
today arraigned before a Lagos High Court for murder.
Oladapo, 25, is also standing trial for the murder of Fadipe’s mother-in-law, Mrs Cecelia Owolabi.
Oladapo, a carpenter and a resident of No. 24, Osho St., Panseke,
Abeokuta, Ogun State, 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, the accused
stabbed Fadipe as well as members of his family which included son
Folahanmi, his mother-in-law, Mrs Cecelia Owolabi and one Abiola
Owolabi.
Alakija said Fadipe sustained numerous stab wounds in the knife attack while his mother-in-law got a stab injury to the chest.
The prosecution stated and the injuries were fatal, leading 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 to 17 and 18 August for the prosecution to open its case.
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