The Ondo State Judiciary is investigating the alleged conviction of a suspect by a chief magistrate in the Ile-Oluji District without a proper trial.
The suspect, Benjamin Andrew, was brought before the magistrate’s court by the police on charges of theft.
In case No. 25C/MIL 2024, Commissioner of Police vs. Benjamin Andrew, the suspect pleaded not guilty to three counts of stealing cocoa from a farm in Ile-Oluji, which falls under the Ile-Oluji Okeigbo Local Government Area of the state.
Despite his plea, he was sentenced to three years in prison for each count without a trial.
Due to concerns raised regarding the court’s judgment, the state’s chief judge, Olusola Odusola, has established a panel to investigate the matter.
A statement signed by the Chief Registrar, Yetunde Ajanaku, and released to journalists in Akure on Saturday, expressed the judiciary’s dismay at the judgment and the backlash it stirred on social media, both within the state and beyond.
“The Ondo State Judiciary has noted a recent judicial ruling delivered by a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ile-Oluji on August 12, 2024, in case No: MIL/25C/2024, Commissioner of Police (COP) vs. Benjamin Andrew. The purported Certified True Copies of this judgment have sparked extensive online discussions and public scrutiny,” the statement said.
“The Ondo State Judiciary is deeply concerned about this situation. The Learned Chief Judge has promptly initiated a thorough investigation to verify the authenticity of the Certified True Copies of the judgment and to examine the circumstances surrounding its issuance, provided the judgment is authenticated.
“This action aims to ensure that court proceedings and practices in the state adhere strictly to the applicable laws and established judicial conventions.
The Ondo State Judiciary assures the public of its unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice, while also recognizing the potential for human error and occasional oversights.
“We respectfully call for calm and thoughtful consideration as we work diligently to address the issues that have arisen in this matter.”
