Court Remands Surety Over Alleged Obstruction Of Justice

By Mariam Bello

An Osogbo Magistrate court on Tuesday ordered the remand of a 50-year-old man, Alabi Olakunle Paul who is standing surety for Barrister Olakanni Ogunyemi in Ilesha prison custody for allegedly obstructing and preventing course of justice. 

Olakunle was arraigned on two count charges bothering on preventing and obstructing justice.

The prosecutor, Inspector Oladoye Joshua informed the court that the suspect and others at large committed the offence on November 15, 2016 at the Osogbo Magistrate court complex.

The defendant allegedly conspired with Barrister Olakanni Ogunyemi who is an accused person in a case of stealing, fraud and forgery to obstruct, prevent and defeat the course of justice by standing as a surety and effect his release.

Inspector Joshua stressed that the accused person advised Barrister Ogunyemi to abscond in order not to stand trial at the court of law.

He explained further that the defendant stands as surety on a bond of N1million to be forfeited to the State government if he fails to produce Barrister Ogunyemi when needed in court until his case of stealing, fraud and forgery is dispensed off.

Prosecutor Oladoye Joshua submitted that the offence contravenes section 126(1) and, section 126(2) of the criminal code cap 34 volume 11.laws of Osun State 2002.

The suspect, who is having no legal representation pleaded not guilty to the two count charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs Modupe Awodele ruled that the accused person be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter to July 31 for ruling on bail.