Land grabbing: Prosecutor’s absence stalls hearing in Ibadan

The alleged case of land grabbing against one community leader, Lawrence Ige, was stalled on Monday due to the prosecutor’s absence in court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the case is being heard by Justice O. A. Adetujoye of an Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan.

NAN recalls Ige was earlier arraigned on Nov. 12, 2024, over an alleged conspiracy, land grabbing, unlawful encroachment and use of violence for land grabbing.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently granted bail.

Adetujoye adjourned the case till Jan. 13 for hearing but the prosecution counsel, Mr Williams Tijani, was absent in court.

In his absence, Adetujoye adjourned the case till March 5 for definite hearing.

The watching brief counsel for the nominal complainant, Mr Oluwatobiloba Fatoki, had earlier informed the court of the prosecutor’s absence due to a car breakdown on his way from Lagos.

The defendant’s counsel, Mr John Adebisi, also confirmed the prosecutor’s absence due to the same reason.