ARRAIGNMENT OF SELF-PROCLAIMED ‘OBI OF LAGOS’ STALLED AGAIN AS CO-DEFENDANT FAILS TO APPEAR IN COURT
Read Time:1 Minute, 43 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The arraignment of Chibuike Azubuike, who claims the title “Obi of Lagos,” was on Monday stalled for the second time at the Lagos State High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square Annex, due to the absence of co-defendant, Sunday Udeh.
Azubuike is standing trial alongside Martins Nwaodika, Chibuzor Ani, and Udeh on charges bordering on conspiracy to organise an unlawful assembly and the illegal creation of chieftaincy titles in Lagos State.
According to the prosecution, between August and September 13, 2024, the defendants allegedly conspired to commit the felony of unlawful assembly at Ikotun, in violation of Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. They are also accused of unlawfully creating the titles “Obi Ndigbo Lagos State” and “Dike-Oha Ndigbo Lagos State” in November 2024 at Lawanson, Surulere, without legal authority, contrary to Section 34 of the Obas and Chiefs Law, 2015.
Udeh’s absence had previously prompted Justice Abdul-Raheem Muyideen to issue a bench warrant for his arrest and adjourn the matter. At Monday’s resumed hearing, state counsel Bamidele Adaramewa informed the court that Udeh was still absent.
Police operative Aminu Abdulrazak told the court that Udeh had been released on administrative bail and had promised to appear but could no longer be reached.
Udeh’s counsel, Charles Onyeaka, apologised, citing his client’s age and health condition. Justice Muyideen expressed displeasure over the repeated absence and faulted the police for not enforcing the bench warrant.
The judge warned that the continued non-appearance of the fourth defendant could complicate the case and result in the remaining defendants being returned to custody.
During proceedings, counsel for the third defendant, Chris Obiaka, sought an amendment of the charges to enable the three present defendants to enter their pleas. Similarly, Moses Akpalusi, representing Azubuike, applied for bail for his client, who remains in police custody.
Justice Muyideen ordered Udeh’s counsel to produce him at the next sitting and directed the police to present all defendants in court on October 31, 2025, for continuation of the case.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0