OAU Student’s Murder: “If Found Guilty, Punishment Should Be Melted” – Says Falana As Parties Adopt Written Addresses

•Court Reserves Judgement

Barring any last-minute changes, the Osun State Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo has assured lawyers that in the next one month, May 2023, final judgement on the case of Timothy Adegoke, the late postgraduate student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, who was allegedly murdered at Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Ile-Ife, where he lodged who be delivered.

Justice Ojo adjourned the trial for today for adoption of final written addresses from the prosecution and defense counsel.

Adedoyin with six of his staff: Magdalene Chiefuna, Adeniyi Aderogba, Oluwole Lawrence, Oyetunde Kazeem Adebayo Kunle and Adedeji Adesola were standing trial on 18 count of conspiracy, murder, felony, indecent interference of the corpse, alteration and cancellation of receipt and oath-taking to prevent justice.

Arguing on Thursday, counsel to Adedoyin, Yusuf Alli countered Falana by challenging his locus to prosecute the case, noting that it is not in agreement with the law and the fiat granted to him to prosecute Adedoyin and other staff was not properly obtained. He prayed the court to prohibit Falana from participating in the case as prosecutor.

Falana stated he was properly introduced by the counsel from the Osun State Ministry of Justice to take over the matter as prosecutor and no law compulsory it for him to produce the fiat granted to him by the ministry to prosecute the matter before the court. He urge the court to dismiss the prayer of the defense counsel else if their prayer is granted, it may set the trial back.

Arguing on the final written address, Yusuf Alli counsel to Adedoyin maintained that evidence by the prosecution witnesses were based on speculations and he urged the court to discharge Adedoyin and the six staff.

He noted that there is no direct evidence against any of the defendants linking them to the death of the late Adegoke. He said going by the account of the pathologist, late Adegoke died either late on 5th or early on 6th. The entire case was based on suspicion. He told the court to discharge the defendants on conspiracy to murder and murder.

The only connection Adedoyin had with the matter is simply because he is owner of the hotel where the death occurred. He said no vicarious liability in law.

But Falana insisted that Adegoke was killed and dumped in the bush and efforts were made to obliterate the act by those involved, who took oath of secrecy.

Based on the evidence led, he urged the court to ensure justice. He said even if heaven will fall, if any of the defendant is found guilty, punishment should be melted.