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Mukaila Lamidi, a.k.a Auxiliary
The trial of the former Chairman of the Park Management System in Oyo State, Mukaila Lamidi, popularly known as Auxiliary, continued on Wednesday as the prosecution called its seventh witness to testify.
The PUNCH reports that Lamidi is facing a 17-count charge, including armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms, including one AK-47 rifle and two SMG rifles with magazines.
The case, with suit number I/74c/2024, is being heard by Justice Bayo Taiwo at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. The hearing, which started in Fiat Court 2, Ring Road, was moved to Court 7 under the same judge.
During the proceedings, the prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecution, S. O. Adeoye, presented its seventh witness, Fatai Awodele, a driver, who testified about the events of May 29, 2023, at the Ikolaba residence of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Awodele recounted being attacked by men allegedly led by the defendant.
He told the court that the assailants, armed with cutlasses, knives, and sticks, wore red caps and stormed the premises. Awodele claimed he was severely injured, robbed of his wristwatch and ₦65,000 in cash, and left unconscious.
Awodele said, “I only managed to leave the scene after regaining consciousness. A motorcyclist passing by took me to the Testing Ground Police Station, where I lodged a complaint. From there, I was transported by ambulance to the Government House Clinic for medical attention.”
The defence, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo, cross-examined Awodele, challenging his ability to identify the attackers.
Ojo argued that the chaotic scene, involving numerous individuals and security operatives, made it impossible for the witness to pinpoint who assaulted him.
Ojo also questioned Awodele about his knowledge of the disbanded National Union of Road Transport Workers and its political affiliations.
Justice Taiwo adjourned the case to Thursday, January 9, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing.
Recall that Lamidi had pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment on November 27, 2024.
The prosecution, which opened its case that same day, has so far called seven out of its 16 listed witnesses.
Among those present in court was retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, the Executive Assistant to Makinde on Security, who observed the proceedings.
The prosecution team included Deputy DPP O. S. Tella and Senior State Counsel O. A. Bolarinwa, while Lamidi’s defence team comprised Tope Olayinka, Madiagu E. O. Mbam, Babajide Bolodeoku, and Olalekan Adeoye.
The trial is one of several legal battles involving the former PMS chairman, who is accused of orchestrating violent attacks during his tenure.
