Student clubs 14-year-old to death in Akure

An Akure Magistrate’s Court has remanded a 24-year-old man, Oladejo Iskilu, at Olokuta Prison, Akure for murder.

Police Prosecutor, ASP Isah Atanegbe, told the court that the accused murdered one Samuel Ibitayo, 14, by hitting him on the head with a pestle.

He said the accused committed the offence on New Year day (Jan. 1) at about 3 a.m around Aje Quarters of Okeagbe, within the Akure Magisterial District.

Atanegbe said the offence was contrary to Section 316(1) and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The accused who is a student of a tertiary institution was arraigned on a one-count charge of murder.

The defence counsel, Barr. Abdurahman Yusuf from the Legal Aid Council, told the court that it was unfortunate that “the matter got to this level”, adding that the family of the deceased had earlier gone to the High Court to file an application of withdrawal of the case.

According to him, “If the High Court grants the application, the family would come formally to withdraw the case” at the Magistrate’s Court.

The Magistrate, Mr Akin Akintoye, however ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and adjourned the case till March 14, 2014 for mention.