An Oyo State High Court sitting at Ring Road, Ibadan, on Tuesday summoned the medical doctor attached to the Agodi Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to appear before it on Wednesday over concerns regarding the health status of a former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, popularly known as Auxiliary.
The hearing in the case involving Auxiliary was stalled due to his absence in court, reportedly on health grounds.
Although the former Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS) was earlier present in court, he was unable to appear when his matter was called.
The trial judge, Justice Oladipo Adetujoye, presiding over Court 11, had earlier adjourned the case to January 20 and 21.
Eyewitnesses said Auxiliary arrived court earlier and appeared physically fit while other cases were being heard. However, shortly before his matter was to be called, the court took a brief recess.
A source familiar with the incident told The Nation that during the recess, Correctional Service officers and other individuals were seen gathered around Auxiliary amid reports that he was unwell.
“Some people were pouring water on his head, while others applied balm to his legs. After some time, Correctional officers contacted their superiors, brought their vehicle, and he was assisted out of the courtroom by officers, his children, and friends,” the source said.
The source added that Auxiliary reportedly walked unaided to the vehicle outside the courtroom, a development that raised eyebrows among observers.
When proceedings resumed, Defence Counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN) informed the court that Auxiliary was ill. The disclosure surprised the court, prompting the judge to seek clarification from the prosecution team.
Those representing the state included O.S. Tella, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions; O.A. Bolarinwa, Senior State Counsel; and F.F. Gbadamosi.
Responding, lead prosecutor O.S. Tella narrated what transpired in open court.
Justice Adetujoye expressed displeasure over the manner in which the defendant was taken out of court without the court’s knowledge, stressing that proper procedure required the court to be informed, especially if the defendant was genuinely ill.
The court noted that neither the prosecution nor the defence could provide a clear explanation for Auxiliary’s absence, further angering the presiding judge.
Ruling on the matter, the court summoned the medical doctor at the Agodi Custodial Centre to appear on Wednesday to clarify Auxiliary’s health status.
Justice Adetujoye said the court would determine the next line of action after ascertaining the true medical condition of the defendant, adding that if Auxiliary was confirmed to be ill, a new hearing date would be fixed.
