An Ikeja High Court has acquitted a 29-year-old man accused of killing a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer.
Ibrahim Yusuf faced serious charges, including involuntary manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm to Mr. Olatunde Awotola, a LASTMA officer.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala delivered the verdict on Monday, citing a lack of evidence from the prosecution.
“The prosecution failed to establish all the ingredients of the offences,” Justice Ogala stated firmly.
She noted that no documentary evidence was provided by the sole prosecution witness.
Additionally, there was no proof that the incident was reported at any police station.
The judge’s decision to discharge and acquit Yusuf highlights significant gaps in the prosecution’s case.
The events leading to Yusuf’s arrest date back to February 12, 2022, when he allegedly obstructed vehicular movement in Kosoko Ojodu, Lagos.
According to the prosecution, LASTMA officers attempted to impound Yusuf’s vehicle, prompting him to resist arrest.
In the alleged struggle, Yusuf reportedly grabbed a knife and stabbed Awotola in the head and neck.
Following the attack, it was claimed that he abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene.
The prosecution’s case was built on the allegations that Yusuf’s actions violated Sections 224 and 251 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
During the court proceedings, the State Counsel, Mr. Ola Azeez, presented the sole witness for the prosecution.
However, the Defense Counsel, Mr. Bidemi Ademola-Bello, argued that the evidence was insufficient.
Justice Ogala explained that for a conviction, the prosecution must present solid evidence to support its claims.
“There was no evidence of the incident being reported,” she said. “After considering the entire evidence, the prosecution failed to establish all ingredients of the offences.”
The ruling has sparked discussions among legal experts and citizens alike.
