An Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, on Monday, threatened to strike out charges brought by the police against a Lagos market leader, Jonathan Okoli.
Okoli, the President of the Aguiyi Ironsi International Market, Ladipo, Lagos, is facing seven counts bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, attempted murder, unlawful assembly and illegal possession of arms.
The police had alleged that 50-year-old Okoli and others now at large attempted to kill Ejike Maduchukwu, one of the traders at the market on March 5 by inflicting machete wounds on his head and back which caused him bodily harm.
The police had said Okoli and his accomplices threatened Maduchukwu and other traders with dangerous weapons while extorting money from them.
Magistrate M.O. Olajuwon had on November 5, when Okoli was first arraigned, remanded him in custody and adjourned till Monday for the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution.
But at the resumed hearing, the police said they had yet to receive the advice from the DPP.
The prosecutor, Adeola Ilumero, said the process of streamlining the charges with other sister security agencies had delayed the process of getting the DPP’s advice.
“Part of the delay is that the copy of a document we got from the SSS (State Security Service) was not clear. We wrote to them to get a clearer copy and they haven’t responded, “Ilumero said.
“Let’s hope they provide it, if not, the matter will be struck out. A hearing date will be served on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the DPP, “ Olajuwon said.
Olajuwon subsequently adjourned till January 8, 2013, for hearing on the DPP’s advice.
Punch
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