Court fixes May 15 for judgement in murder case involving minor

The Lagos State High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) has fixed May 15 for judgement in the case of a minor accused of conspiracy, armed robbery, and the murder of Mr Babatunde Dada.

During the adoption of final written addresses yesterday, defence counsel Tokunbo Lawal urged the court to dismiss the charges, citing inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.

She argued that there was no direct evidence linking the defendant to the crime and that the prosecution relied on circumstantial arguments. Lawal also pointed out that the sole alleged eyewitness to the incident was not presented in court.

The defence counsel further opposed the prosecutor’s prayer for imprisonment, referencing Section 207(1) of the Child Rights Law, which prohibits imprisonment, corporal punishment, or the death penalty for a child. She also raised concerns about alleged coercion and urged the court to acquit the defendant.

In response, the prosecutor, Dr Babajide Martins, called for the minor’s conviction for murder, arguing that Section 208 of the Child Rights Law allows for detention of a child in cases involving treason, murder, robbery, or grievous harm. He stated that such detention would be under conditions specified by the court and considered legal custody.

Dr Martins dismissed the defence’s claim of coercion, asserting that the defendant fled to his hometown in Ilorin two days after the crime and later admitted to smashing the deceased with a bottle. He argued that the defendant’s presence at the crime scene implicated him. The prosecutor also emphasised that under the Criminal Code, intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm must be established to prove murder. Justice Sherifat Sonaike adopted the final addresses and adjourned the case to May 15 for judgement.