There was a mild drama at the Magistrate Court sitting in Odigbo, in the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, as a defendant, Segun Akala, jumped out from Court window into the nearby bush after the Court ordered his remand for a criminal offence.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that immediately the Presiding Magistrate, D. O. Ogunfuyi, ordered his remand, the defendant, with handcuffs in his hands, took to his heels, jumped out through the Court’s window and fled into a nearby bush.
However, it took the intervention of Policemen within the Court premises, who pursued, apprehended him and took him back to the Court.
The defendant, Akala, was earlier arrested and charged before the Court for allegedly stealing a motor saw chain and pullover clothes valued at N336,000, belonging to one Akintan Akintade.
The Prosecutor, Usifo James, informed the Court that the defendant committed the offence on 27th May, 2023, at Aipon Road, Via Odigbo, Ondo State and the alleged offence committed was contrary to Section 390 (9), of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.
He pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor sought an adjournment to enable him to study the case file and prepare his witnesses for trial, but the defence counsel, Mr. Rufus Omotayo, prayed the Court to grant the defendant bail.
The Presiding Magistrate, Ogunfuyi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood.
The Court ordered the defendant to be remanded at the Okitipupa Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail.
The matter was adjourned till 23rd June, 2023, for mention. The defendant having realized that he will be remanded in custody as ordered by the Court then fled and tried escaping by jumping through the window.