Drama as Ex-Convict Refuses to be arraigned in court

By Oluwamayowa Ojo

There was a mild drama at an Osogbo magistrate on Monday as a 40-year-old ex-convict; Idris Idris refused to enter dock for arraignment.

Idris was brought to the court on the charges of conspiracy, breach of peace and unlawful possession of Indian hemp.

When called to enter dock alongside with three other suspects, Olalere Babatunde(20), Agbaje Adejare(28), and Bello Kamoru(29), Idris insisted that he could not enter dock because he was not part of the three suspects.

Efforts by the police to get Idris into the dock proved abortive as he maintained that his place of arrest was different from where the police arrested the three other suspects who were arraigned.

The presiding magistrate, Mr Olusola Aluko directed the police to take the suspect to a psychiatric hospital and reproduce him in court when they have ascertained his metal fitness.

Each time the court clerk mention Idris’s name while reading the charge, the ex-convict would interrupt and say ‘I am not part of them o, you cannot arraign me with them.’

The drama, which put smiles on the faces of audience of the court, lasted for over 20 minutes.

Babatunde, Adejare and Kamoru were accused of being in possession of Indian hemp on November 11, 2016 at Old Garage, Osogbo.

The alleged offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 249(A),517,430 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty by charges read against them.

Defence counsel Mrs Nagite Okogbe pleaded with the court to release the accused persons on bail, promising that reliable sureties would stand for them.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Taiwo Adegoke did not oppose the bail.

Magistrate Aluko granted bail to the accused persons in the sum of N50,000 and two sureties each.

Aluko said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction with evidence of tax payment.

He then adjourned the case till December 12, 2016.