A court located on Lagos Island has denied a request made by the police to withdraw murder charges against three individuals, Kazeem Jinadu, Maaru Amisu, and Oluwatobi Ajao Tunmise, in connection to the death of Muda Balogun.
The court, presided over by Magistrate K. K. Awoyinka, instead instructed the police to duplicate the case file and send a copy to the Director of Public Prosecution for evaluation.
The individuals were charged with six counts, including murder, which is considered a criminal offense under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State in Nigeria. They were accused of conspiring to commit murder on September 28, 2022, in Iyana-Iba Area of Ojo, along with other suspects who are still at large.
During the proceedings, police prosecutor Stephen Molo presented a letter from the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, asking for the discontinuation of the case. Molo relied on Section 73 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State.
However, the counsel for the complainant, Mubashir Oshodi, opposed the request and argued that it was an attempt to obstruct justice. In her ruling, Magistrate Awoyinka stated that the letter was not enough to dismiss the charges and that neither the court nor the Inspector-General had the power to withdraw the charges at this stage.
The court has adjourned until February 13 to consider the expected report from the Director of Public Prosecution.
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