The Ondo State Judiciary has established an investigative panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the decision of a Chief Magistrate sitting in Ile-Oluji, who convicted a suspect without trial, despite the suspect pleading not guilty to the charges against him.
The state judiciary expressed concern over the uproar that followed the judgment and subsequently formed the panel to investigate the court’s decision.
A Chief Magistrate Court in Ile-Oluji District, presided over by Tope Aladejana, convicted one Benjamin Andrew of stealing without conducting a trial, even though he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In charge No. 25C/MIL/2024, between the Commissioner of Police and Benjamin Andrew, the suspect pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge related to stealing cocoa on a farm in Ile-Oluji, in the Ile-Oluji Okeigbo Local Government Area of the state.
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Despite the accused’s plea, he was summarily sentenced to three years imprisonment for each charge without any trial.
However, the Chief Registrar, Mrs. Yetunde Ajanaku, in a statement issued and signed by her, described the situation as disturbing, particularly due to the backlash it has generated on social media both within and outside the state.
Ajanaku stated in the release: “The Ondo State Judiciary has taken note of a recent judicial pronouncement delivered by an Ondo State Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ile-Oluji on August 12, 2024, in the case with Charge No: MIL/25C/2024, Commissioner of Police (COP) versus Benjamin Andrew, in which the purported Certified True Copies of this judgment have become the subject of extensive online discussions and public scrutiny.
“The Ondo State Judiciary is deeply concerned about this development, and the Honourable Chief Judge has promptly launched a meticulous investigation to verify the authenticity of the Certified True Copies of the judgment, as well as to thoroughly examine the circumstances leading to the pronouncement, should the judgment be duly authenticated.
“This action aims to ensure that court proceedings and practices in the state strictly adhere to the letter and spirit of the applicable laws and established judicial conventions.
“The Ondo State Judiciary hereby reassures the general public of its unwavering commitment to the sacred cause of justice while acknowledging the inherent possibility of human error and occasional oversights.
“We respectfully appeal for calm and composed deliberation as we diligently work to resolve the issues that have arisen in this matter.
