Auxiliary’s Murder Trial Postponed to June 11

The trial of former Park Management System chairman Mukaila Lamidi-popularly known as Auxiliary-was stalled on Wednesday after Justice Bayo Taiwo failed to appear in court, forcing an adjournment to June 11 for the adoption of final written addresses in a trial-within-trial aimed at determining the admissibility of certain confessional statements.

Both the Director of Public Prosecution in Oyo State, Mr. S. O. Adeoye, and defence counsel, Senior Advocate Olalekan Ojo, were present when proceedings were called off due to the judge’s absence.

Auxiliary is arraigned on a 17-count charge that includes armed robbery, murder, attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms, with the indictment listing prohibited weapons such as AK-47 assault rifles and submachine guns with magazines. The offences contravene Section 1(2)(a) and (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, CAP RII, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

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The high-profile nature of the case-stemming from allegations of violent crimes and illegal arms possession-continues to draw intense media and public scrutiny as the defendant maintains his plea of not guilty. Proceedings will resume on June 11.