The slated trial of an alleged most wanted assassin, Wasiu Akinwande, also known as Olori Esho and two others was stalled on Wednesday.
The defendant alongside Qudus Egbere and Sola Edun Tomiwa are facing a five-count charge of alleged murder and other related offences before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.
Wasiu Akinwande a.k.a Olori Esho, not Oluye-Oso, suspect tells court
When the court registrar called the matter for proceedings, all defendants were docked, and the judge said the case was coming before her for the first time, as the absence of Olori Esho had stalled their arraignment at two previous sittings.
Justice Ogala added that the court had been informed previously that Olori Esho whereabout was unknown.
It was also brought to the attention of the judge that the third defendant’s name was wrongly spelt on the charge sheet as Wasiu Oluye-Oso.
As the judge enquired from him, the third defendant told the court that his real names are Wasiu Akinwande and that his alias is Olori Eso.
When asked by the judge for the business of the day, Prosecuting Counsel, O. A. Azeez, said the State was ready for arraignment.
However, counsel to Olori Esho, M. Okandeji requested for another date, saying he was yet to be served the charge sheet and that he was appearing in the matter for the first time.
The prosecutor offered him an extra copy of the charge sheet but the counsel for the first defendant, Olanrewaju O. Ajanaku, urged the court to adjourn for arraignment, so as to allow the prosecution correct the errors in the charge sheet.
The judge agreed with Mr. Ajanaku’s position, and allowed Sola Edun who is the second defendant and who is on bail to return home upon an undertaking from his mother standing surety for him and his counsel, I.C. Val, that he would be present at the next date.
The other defendants were ordered to be returned to the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kirikiri.
Justice Ogala adjourned till November 10, 2025.
Qudus Egbere, Wasiu Akinwande and others at large are said to have murdered two persons, Bolanle Yusuf and Yusuf Ramadan, on or about the 31st of July, 2024 at about 11:00 hours at Mashalasi Street, Mushin, Lagos State.
The alleged acts contravene section 223 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
They are also alleged to have conspired to commit the act, contrary to Section 233 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
While, Qudus Egbere and Sola Edun Tomiwa accused of belonging to an unlawful society, contrary to Section 2(3)(a) of the Unlawful Societies and Cultism (Prohibition) Law of Lagos State, 2021.
