Prosecution’s Error Stalls Trial of Chrisland School’s Tutor

Azeez Folorunso/

 

The trial of Chrisland School supervisor, Mr Adegboyega Adenekan, was stalled today at the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court.

The 47-year-old supervisor was charged for allegedly defiling a two-year-old pupil.

The proceedings did not hold as scheduled due to a typographical error in the additional proof of evidence filed by the prosecution.

Mr Olatunde Adejuyigbe (SAN), the lead defence counsel, pointed out the error in the notice of the additional evidence not indicated in the court processes served on him by the state.

He told the court that he would no longer tolerate being served documents in the courtroom by the state just before proceedings were slated to begin.

“If they should serve me in court on Monday, I will object, the state has the machinery to do the right thing,” the SAN said.

The prosecution for the state, led by Mr Jide Boye, however asked the court for a stand down to amend corrections to the documents.

Justice Sybil Nwaka, however, did not oblige the state prosecutor’s request.

The judge said, “Put your house in order, come back on Monday.

“This case is adjourned to Feb. 12 for continuation of trial at 11 am.”

When arraigned on January 29, Adenekan pleaded not guilty to a charge of defilement of a child.

The prosecution alleges that Adenekan committed the offence sometime in November 2016 at Chrisland School, Victoria Garden City (VGC), in Lagos.

According to the prosecution, the defendant defiled the complainant by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.

The alleged defilement was reported to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) for investigation.

The offence violated Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 which recommends a life sentence for anyone convicted of defiling a child.

The trial of Adenekan began on February 6, and one witness, Miss Gloria Chinoyera, an ex-social worker has so far testified on behalf of the prosecution.

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