Defence counsel’s absence stalls trial of suspects in FRSC officer, daughter’s murders
Trial of Suspects in FRSC Officer’s Murder Stalled Due to Lack of Defense Representation
OSOGBO, Nigeria — The trial of three suspects charged with the murders of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer Funmilayo Lasisi and her daughter, Adesewa, was postponed Monday at the Osun State High Court due to the absence of a defense lawyer.
The defendants—Fajemirokun Victor and two others—were brought to court by officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service for proceedings in the case. However, the court could not proceed as no legal representation was present for the defendants.
Muyiwa Ogunleye, an Assistant Director at the Osun State Ministry of Justice, appeared on behalf of the prosecution. He informed the court that the prosecution had not yet served the defendants with copies of the relevant court documents pertaining to the case. Ogunleye assured Justice Yinka Aderibigbe that the necessary paperwork would be delivered to the defendants at the correctional facility in Ilesa before the next court session.
Following the proceedings, Ogunleye explained to journalists, “The defendants were to be arraigned today, and they were brought to court this morning, but they were not represented by any lawyer. That is why the case could not go ahead.” He emphasized that legal counsel is mandatory given the capital nature of the charges.
Ogunleye mentioned that he had assigned a colleague to ensure the service of charge documents and hearing notices to the defendants by Tuesday, October 13, 2026. He also noted that the prosecution intends to call eight witnesses, including four police officers and four civilian witnesses, when the case resumes.
Justice Aderibigbe adjourned the matter until December 8, 2026, allowing time for the defendants to secure legal representation and enter their pleas. The judge also directed that attorneys must be present at the next hearing.
