Drama As Remanded Apprentice Flee Courtroom

There was a mild drama at the Odigbo Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State as a 21-year-old apprentice, Segun Akala, attempted to escape from the courtroom while being remanded.

Akala, who was arraigned before the court on charges of theft, made a dash for freedom in handcuffs after being ordered to be remanded at the Okitipupa Correctional Centre by Magistrate D.O. Ogunfuyi.

Efforts by police operatives within the court premises were required to apprehend the defendant, who had jumped through the court’s window and fled into a nearby bush.

Police Prosecutor, Usifo James had earlier informed the court that the accused committed the offence on May 27, 2023, at Aipon Road in Odigbo Local Council Area of Ondo State. Akala was alleged to have stolen a motor saw, a motor saw chain, and a pull-over cloth, all valued at N300,000, belonging to one Akintan Akintade.

While the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him, the prosecutor informed the court that the offence allegedly committed by the defendant was in violation of Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

Seeking an adjournment to study the case file and prepare his witnesses for trial, the prosecutor presented his case. Meanwhile, the defence counsel, Mr Rufus Omotayo, appealed to the court to grant the defendant bail in the most liberal terms.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ogunfuyi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. He ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Okitipupa Correctional Centre until the bail conditions were met and adjourned the case until June 23, 2023.