Judge Orders Arrest, Detention Of Defence Counsel In Court

The trial judge was angered by the comments Solagberu made in an interview he granted journalists after Tuesday’s sitting, following the rejection of his bail application for his client, describing the comments ” As a sign of indiscipline.”

Justice Ibrahim Yusuf of Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Wednesday ordered the arrest of one of the defence counsels, Barrister Sikiru Solagberu in the case of alleged rape and murder of a 300 female student of the University of Ilorin, Olajide Omowumi Blessing.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Wednesday, the trial judge issued a bench warrant for Barrister Solagberu, defence counsel for the 7th defendant, Daud Bashir Adebayo, charged with aiding, abetting and receiving stolen items, through his secretary, Yemisi Ademola.

Barrister Solagberu had served the court his intent to withdraw from the case.

The trial judge was angered by the comments Solagberu made in an interview he granted journalists after Tuesday’s sitting, following the rejection of his bail application for his client, describing the comments ” As a sign of indiscipline.”

“The constitution gives room for suspects even if a capital offence, to be granted bail and thus it is not novel.

” However, because of the sentiments attached to the case, usually people would not want to hear you filing an application for bail,” the troubled defence counsel added.

The case was adjourned till July 12, 2021 for the continuation of proceedings.

Recall that Olajide Omowumi Blessing was allegedly raped and murdered at her elder sister’s abode in Tanke area of Ilorin, Kwara state.