Ondo Judiciary Probes Chief Magistrate Over Allegation Of Conviction Without Suspect’s Trial

By Ayodele Oni

A Chief Magistrate in Ondo State is under probe for allegedly  convicting a suspect without trial. The suspect had pleaded innocent of  the charges preferred against him.

Tope Aladejana of a Chief Magistrate Court at Ile-Oluji District was said to have convicted one Benjamin Andrew for stealing without trial.

In charge No 25C/MIL 2024 between Commissioner of Police and Benjamin Andrew, the suspect pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge bordering on stealing cocoa seed at a farm in Ile-Oluji,  Ile-Oluji Okeigbo Local Government Area of the state.

Despite pleading innocent of the charges, he was summarily sentenced to three years imprisonment on each charge.

Worried by the reactions which trailed the decision, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusola Odusola, ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the decision of the court.

In a statement on Saturday, by the Chief registrar of the state high court, Yetunde Ajanaku stated that “Ondo State Judiciary has taken note of a recent judicial pronouncement delivered by an Ondo State Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ile-Oluji on the 12th day of August, 2024 in the matter with Charge No: MIL/25C/2024.

“The case of the Commissioner of Police (COP) versus Benjamin Andrew in which the purported Certified True Copies of this judgment has become the subject of extensive online discussions and public scrutiny.

“Ondo State Judiciary is deeply concerned about this development and the Learned Honourable Chief Judge has promptly launched a meticulous investigation to authenticate the veracity of the Certified True Copies of the said judgment, as well as to thoroughly examine the circumstances leading to the pronouncement thereof if the Judgment is duly authenticated.

“This action is aimed at ensuring that the court proceedings and practices in the State strictly adhered to the letter and spirit of the applicable laws and established judicial conventions.

“Ondo State Judiciary hereby reassures the general public of its unwavering commitment to the sacred cause of justice, even while acknowledging the inherent possibility of human frailties and occasional oversights.

“We  respectfully appeal for calm and composed deliberation as it diligently works to resolve the issues that have arisen in this matter.”