Crime Watch

Drama as suspect flees from courtroom into bush after judge ordered his remand in prison

A 21-year-old man arraigned before the Odigbo Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State escaped from the premises after the magistrate ordered his remand.

At the hearing on Monday, June 5, the accused, Segun Akala, who was charged with theft fled from court through the window while still in handcuffs.

Magistrate D.O. Ogunfuyi had ordered him to be remanded at the Okitipupa Correctional Centre.

However, before he was taken to the correctional facility, the defendant ran into a nearby bush and it took efforts by police operatives within the court premises to apprehend him.

Police Prosecutor, Usifo James had earlier told court that Akala committed the offence on May 27, 2023, at Aipon Road in Odigbo Local Council Area of Ondo State.

He said the suspect stole a motor saw, a motor saw chain, and a pull-over cloth, all valued at N300,000, belonging to one Akintan Akintade.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the prosecutor, the offence was in contravention of Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

James prayed the court to grant an adjournment so that he could study the case file and prepare his witnesses for trial.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ogunfuyi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case until June 23, 2023.