How ex-Oyo NURTW boss ‘Auxiliary’ triggered panic, judge’s anger in court

By Ayorinde Oluokun with NAN report

Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, popularly called Auxiliary a former Oyo State chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) who is standing trial on 17 counts bordering on murder and armed robbery triggered panic and drama as he ‘collapsed’ inside the courtroom of Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

The former NURTW chief slumped while seated and awaiting his case, triggering panic and prompting swift intervention by court officials and security personnel.

Reports indicated that Auxiliary had arrived the court earlier, looking fine and okay as other cases were been heard.

But before the Judge would resume the session, the Correctional Centre officers who brought him to court and some others were seen pouring water on his head while some others were applying ‘aboniki’ balm on his legs.

He was later helped officials of Correctional service, his children and friends to leave the court.

The incident led to a halt in court proceedings.

“The court could not continue due to the unexpected medical emergency,” a court official said after the incident.

The presiding judge, Justice Bayo Taiwo, consequently suspended proceedings and adjourned the day’s sitting.

Meanwhile, reports indicated that the Court had summoned the medical doctor in Agodi Custodian centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service to appear before it today (Wednesday) to clarify the health status of Auxiliary.

The Judge was furious that he was not told before Auxiliary was taken out of the court by the correctional officers.

According to the judge officials of the NCoS should have come to inform him of the development before taking Auxiliary out of the courts.

There was even more confusion as the State Counsel and Defence Counsel could not explanation what actually happened to the defendant to the judge.

However, the Judge said if Auxiliary was confirmed to be sick today (Wednesday), noting that, another date will be picked for hearing of the matter.

The defendant who was former chairman of the state Disciplinary Committee of the Park Management System (PMS), is facing trial on 17-count charge bordering on armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, possession of firearm, including one AK-47 assault rifle, two SMG rifle with magazine.

The offence, according to the charge sheet, is contrary to and punishable under Section 1(2)(a) and (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, CAP RII, Vol.14, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.