YAHAYA IBRAHIM
A former Nigerian wrestler, John Eke Uti popularly known as Power Uti has been arraigned before a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ebute-Metta over alleged murder of his wife Toyin Uti.
The police charged Uti, who reigned in wrestling world in the 80s to 90s, on two counts of killing his wife and abandoned her dead body in their apartment.
The former wrestling champion was alleged to have beat the deceased to death, at their residence, 17, Oremeji Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, on October 10, 2017.
Count one of the charge against him read: “that you John Eke Uti, on the 10th day of October, 2017, at about 10.25 am, at 17, Oremeji Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did unlawfully killed one Toyin Uti, aged 38, by beating her to death and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 222 and punishable under section 223 Cap C17, Vol. 3 of the criminal laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015”.
Though, his plea was not taken, but his lawyer, I. E. Mkoemekor, pleaded with the court, to consider section 224 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2015, to look into the case file, adding that his client is not link with the deceased death.
Mkoemekor pleaded with the court to admit the former wrestler bail in a very liberal term.
The presiding magistrate, Mrs. B. O. Folarin Williams, who cited Section 224(5) of ACJL of Lagos state, declined to grant the remand application argued by the police prosecutor, Sergeant Jimah Ishegele, on the ground that the former world wrestling champion was not linked with the death of the deceased.
“I have read the case file, non of the witness listed said that the defendant killed her wife. Even, the Police Investigation Officer (IPO) could not establish that the defendant killed the deceased,” Magistrate Williams said.
She consequently, admitted the former wrestler to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties.
According to her, the sureties must be gainful employed in reputable companies.
She however ordered that the former wrestling champion be remanded in prisons custody pending when he meet the bail conditions.
The matter has been adjourned till November 15, 2017, for report from Director of Public Prosecution (DPP’s advice).