Court remands man for murder of colleague in Lagos

The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the remand of one Monday Odeh in the Nigerian Correctional Service Facility, over the alleged murder of a 54-year-old man, Abdulahi Yinusa.

Justice Adenike Coker made the remand order on Monday, January 15, 2024, of Odeh after he was arraigned on a count of murder preferred against him by the state government.

During the arraignment, the state prosecuting counsel, Ms Titi Adeegbe, told the court that the defendant unlawfully murdered Yinusa on April 4, 2019, in the Magodo area of the state.

Odeh and Yinusa worked as security guards at Magodo before the murder. 

The employer of the duo, Bola Ikupoluyi, who reported the matter to the police station, said the deceased and the suspect had an argument. 

Yinusa had accused Odey of stealing the clothing items of the boss. 

During the argument, Odey hit Yinusa with a shovel on his head and face. head on the floor, which caused his death. 

The suspect picked offence and threatened to kill Yinusa for challenging him. Their employer responded by sacking Odey and ordered him to vacate the premises immediately. 

Odey, under the guise of moving his personal belongings, returned to the house the same day at about 7pm and murdered Yinusa. He dumped the corpse at a canal behind their employer’s house and absconded. 

Odey was apprehended at Iwo, Osun State on May 2nd, 2019 after he fled from the scene. 

According to Adeegbe, the offence committed contravened Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the murder charge against him.

The prosecutor prayed the court for a trial date following the defendant’s plea of not guilty.

Meanwhile, Mrs Onikepo Braithwaite appeared for the defendant.

Consequently, Justice Coker adjourned the case to February 12, 2024, for the commencement of trial.