Guard Arraigned For Murder

A 32-year old security guard, Lawali Adamu has been arraigned before an Ikeja High Court for allegedly murdering Gbolahan Odutola in Agege.

Adamu was arraigned before Justice Olabisi Akinlade on a one-count charge of murder.

The prosecutor, Mrs Mariam Olaniyi alleged that the accused murdered Odutola on 15 July 2009 at about 4.30 pm near Railway Line in Agege by stabbing him with a pair of scissors.

Olaniyi said the offence was contrary to Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code Law Cap C. Vol.2, Laws of Lagos State 2003.

Adamu pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read to him in Pidgin English and was remanded in prison custody.

In his statement to the police dated July 15 2009, the accused had claimed that Odutola, a shoemaker prevented him from collecting planks near the Railway Line in one of the demolished structures.

He said this led to an argument between both of them and that he was slapped by the deceased and he fell to the ground.

Adamu claimed this provoked him to pick up a scissors with which he used to stab Odutola not knowing that it will result in his death.

The matter has been adjourned till 13 June for trial.
By Henry Ojelu