Deaf And Dumb Man Docked For Robbery

CYRACUS IZUEKWE

A 22-year old deaf and dumb suspected robber, Daniel Olise, has landed in prison over his inability to know when his other gang members escaped during their operation in Lagos.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that some robbers struck in the early hours of the morning at a plaza located at the Oba’s palace in Ijegun area of Lagos.
The robbers were said to have broken into the shop belonging to one Umeh John, stole water tanks and escaped.

Police sources said that the defendant, Olise, joined his gang members in robbery operation but because of his condition did not know when other members of the gang escaped. He was eventually arrested and taken to the Isheri Police Division.

He was said to have been molested as he could not talk properly as the police had thought he was pretending to be deaf and dumb until it was obvious that he was not.
The police then charged Olise before the Ejigbo Magistrates court for conduct likely to cause breach of peace, conspiracy and stealing.
When he was arraigned before court, he signaled that he was deaf and dumb; indicated that he can read and write but cannot hear and talk.
Then, the prosecutor was directed to give him the charge sheet to read and make plea. He collected and after reading he signaled that he was not guilty.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. T.O. Shomade, holding brief for Mr. L.K.J. Layeni granted Olise bail in their sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. He was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail condition.
The matter was adjourned till 14^th November, 2018, for mention.

P.M.EXPRESS confirmed that the arraignment of Olise generated reactions from litigants who wondered how he would respond to the charges against him.

However, the court officials said that an interpreter will be arranged during trial as he cannot escape justice because he is deaf and dumb.