UNILORIN Rape: Court orders arrest of defence counsel 

By Bisi Oyelere

The trial of the UNILORIN rape and murder case suspect today took a new turn, as the presiding judge, Justice Ibrahim Yusuf issued a bench warrant for one of the defence counsel Barr. Sikiru Solagberu.

It would be recalled all the 8 suspects had all pleaded not guilty, thereby leading to the Court granting accelerated hearing for the case, thereby leading to the judge ordering daily prosecution.

At the resumed hearing of the case today, the defence counsel, the judge issued a bench warrant for Barr. Sikiru Solagberu counsel for the 7th defendant (Daud Bashir Adebayo) who was charged with aiding, abetting and receiving stolen items, through his secretary Yemisi Ademola, served the court his intent to withdraw from the case.

Justice Ibrahim Yusuf however frowning at the comments of the counsel in his interview to journalists after yesterday’s sitting, issued a bench warrant against him, stressing that his comments were a sign of indiscipline

Barr. Solagberu had while reacting to the Court rejecting the bail application of his client said “The constitution gives room for suspects even if capital offence to be granted bail and thus it isn’t novel.

“However because of sentiments attached to the case, usually people would not want to hear you filing an application for bail” he stressed.

Meanwhile the case has been adjourned till July 12, for continuation of the proceedings.