Just in: Former Governor, servant face trial for alleged trespass, mischief and theft

Per Second NewsAugust 31, 2021861

For allegedly ordering a man to break the padlock of a shop in Gwagwalada Main Market, Abuja, where goods worth over N3.55 million were looted, a one-time military governor in a Southwest state has been hauled up before a court.

The former Ogun governor, retired Commodore Kayode Olofinmoyin is facing trial at a Grade ‘A’ Area Court, Gwagwalada.

Olofinmoyin was arraigned alongside one Danjuma Mohammed on a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, trespass, mischief and theft.

The former governor was, however, absent in court on the grounds of ill-health.

Olofinmoyin had allegedly ordered Mohammed to damage the lock of the shop belonging to Mr Dominic Njoku at the Gwagwalada Main Market where goods worth over N3.55 million were stocked.

The goods were thereafter looted following the damaged lock.

Olofinmoyin’s lawyer, Mr Femi Adedeji, had told the court that the former governor was “critically ill” and therefore, could be physically present in court.

He asked for a short adjournment to enable him to appear in court.

But Police Prosecutor Dabo Yakubu opposed his application, saying there is no medical report from Olofinmoyin’s lawyer to support his claim.

He urged the court to issue a bench warrant to compel him to appear in court in the next date of adjournment.

According to Yakubu, the former governor’s “sudden illness” shows that he does not have respect for the court.

Ruling on the application, the Judge, Mr Adamu Issa, said he decided to grant an adjournment in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The case has been adjourned untill Sept. 6, 2021.

Persecondnews recalls that Olofinmoyin, then a Navy Captain, was sworn in on August 6, 1998 as the 12th Chief Executive of Ogun State by the Head of State, Gen. Absulsalami Abubakar.

He formally assumed duties in Abeokuta, the state capital, on August 12, 1998 and handed over the reins to elected governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba on May 29, 1999.