AKURE – There was mild drama yesterday at the Akungba-Akoko Division of the Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State as a suspect, Mr Segun Orungbeja, challenged the magistrate during his arraignment over an alleged threat to kill a man with a cutlass.
Mr Orungbeja stunned the courtroom when Magistrate K. A. Kolawole asked what led to his arrest.
Angry, the suspect fired back: “If you want to sentence me, you can go ahead; my God is watching you.”
The outburst disrupted proceedings before order was restored.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Ola Boboye told the court that Orungbeja allegedly threatened to kill one Abiodun Akintunde with a cutlass.
He accused the suspect of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace by demanding money from the complainant, who reportedly owed him nothing.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 86 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
Defence counsel, B. J. Eniayewu, pleaded for leniency and bail, urging the court to temper justice with mercy and assuring that his client would not abscond.
In his ruling, Mr Kolawole granted the suspect bail but ordered that he be remanded pending the perfection of the bail conditions.
