An Ikeja High Court has discharged and acquitted 29-year-old Ibrahim Yusuf, who was accused of killing Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer Mr. Olatunde Awotola.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Oyindamola Ogala on Monday, September 30, followed a careful review of the prosecution’s evidence.
Justice Ogala determined that the prosecution did not provide sufficient evidence to support the charges of involuntary manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm against the officer. The judge pointed out the lack of documentary evidence from the sole prosecution witness and noted that there was no indication the incident had been reported to the police.
“After considering the entire evidence, the prosecution failed to establish all ingredients of the offences. The defendant is hereby discharged and acquitted,” Justice Ogala stated.
During the proceedings, State Counsel Mr. Ola Azeez represented the prosecution, while Defense Counsel Mr. Bidemi Ademola-Bello defended Yusuf. The prosecution alleged that Yusuf attacked the LASTMA officer on February 12, 2022, in Kosoko Ojodu, Lagos, while the officer was attempting to arrest him for obstructing traffic.
According to the allegations, Yusuf reportedly stabbed Awotola in the head and neck with a knife before fleeing the scene, abandoning his vehicle. The charges filed against him were said to violate Sections 224 and 251 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.