A complainant, Oluwatosin Onamade, on Monday, objected to a plea bargain agreement entered between the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and five defendants accused of murdering his assistant in the Ikorodu area of the state.
A visibly upset Onamade, who claimed that he was not carried along during the negotiations between the Attorney-General of Lagos State and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and the defendant, openly complained about the agreement’s contents to the trial judge, Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the state High Court sitting in Ikeja.
The state government is prosecuting the five defendants, Atunrase Sodiq Omolabi, Shittu Michael Olawale, Olaide Opeifa, Olanrewaju Adebiyi aka Maja, and Jamiu Omosanya aka Orobo, for attempted murder and the murder of Ifeanyi Etunmuse at Western Funeral Home, owned by Onamade.
The prosecution had also alleged that the defendants also cut off the wrist of one Femi Onamade, the younger brother to the complainant, who is a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos.
They had pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned on a seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, willful damage to property, unlawful society (cultism), breach of peace, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
At Monday’s resumed hearing of the case, prosecutor Michael Adewoye informed Justice Oshodi that he had received an application for a plea bargain from the counsel representing the first, second, third, and fifth defendants and that the Lagos Attorney-General had already approved the application.
Adewoye also stated that a letter of approval was issued to counsel for the defendants, with the specific terms to be determined later.
In response, counsel to the defendants, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, confirmed the application for a plea bargain, noting that the terms would be discussed with the prosecution.
However, counsel to the fourth defendant, Mahmood Adesina (SAN), urged the court to proceed with the trial, emphasising, “We should not close our eyes and ignore the trial.”
In response, Justice Oshodi acknowledged Onamade’s determination to seek justice for the victim but noted, “My hands are tied,” indicating that overruling the agreement was beyond his control.
The judge then adjourned the matter until January 25, 2025, for the continuation of the trial and for counsel on both sides to consult regarding the terms of the plea bargain.
