Mukaila Lamidi, also known as Auxiliary, former Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS), has been arraigned before Justice O. A. Adetujoye of Fiat Court 5 of the Oyo State High Court. The charges stem from an incident on May 29, 2023, at Governor Seyi Makinde’s residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.
The 17-count charge includes armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, and possession of firearms, specifically one AK-47 assault rifle and two SMG rifles with magazines. These offenses are punishable under Section 1(2)(a) and (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, CAP RII, Vol.14, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Auxiliary pleaded not guilty to all charges. The State Counsel, S.A Osuolale, intends to call 19 witnesses to prove the case against him.
In an interesting twist, Auxiliary’s counsel, Tope Olayinka, raised concerns about his client’s health, but the State Counsel countered that Olayinka is not a medical doctor and cannot determine Auxiliary’s health status.
Justice Adetujoye adjourned the case until November 4, 2024, for accelerated hearing and ordered the prosecution to assemble all witnesses on that date.
This development comes after Auxiliary’s disappearance after he was declared wanted by the police and his eventual arrest five months ago. The case has sparked interest in the political landscape of Oyo State, particularly given Auxiliary’s previous role in the transport union and his replacement by Tomiwa Omolewa.
As the trial unfolds, many will be watching to see how the case impacts the state’s politics and governance.
