Former chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, popularly known as Auxiliary, has pleaded not guilty to a 17-count charge in one of his ongoing trials.
The charges, which include armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms—including an AK-47 assault rifle and two SMG rifles with magazines—were read to him at the Oyo State High Court on Wednesday.
The offenses, which are in contravention of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, carry severe penalties, with the charges specifically tied to an incident on 29 May 2023 at the Ikolaba, Ibadan residence of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Auxiliary, who is also the former chairman of the state’s Park Management System (PMS) Disciplinary Committee, was initially facing the case under Justice O. A. Adetujoye.
However, after a dispute regarding the assignment of the case, it was reassigned to Justice Bayo Taiwo of Fiat Court 2.
The case, identified as Suit No. I/74c/2024, is now under review in this court.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr. S.O. Adeoye, began the trial by calling witnesses.
Two witnesses, Mr. Fatai Isiaka and Mr. Ademola Johnson, testified, recounting how Auxiliary, in his capacity as the PMS Disciplinary Committee chairman, allegedly attacked suspected factional members of the proscribed NURTW at the governor’s residence during a meeting to congratulate the governor on his re-election.
The defense, represented by Mr. Olalekan Ojo, SAN, cross-examined the witnesses, and the issue of bail for the defendant was raised, though the court indicated that it would be addressed at a later hearing.
The trial, which has already seen the presentation of initial testimony, has been adjourned until December 5, 2024, for further proceedings.
The court is expected to hear from 16 more witnesses as the case progresses. (vitalnewsngr.com)
