Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court has failed to appear for the scheduled hearing in the murder case involving the former chairman of the Park Management System, Mukaila Lamidi, popularly known as Auxiliary, thereby stalling proceedings.
The case was scheduled for the adoption of final addresses in a trial-within-trial. Both prosecuting counsel S. O. Adeoye and defence counsel Olalekan Ojo were present.
However, with the judge’s absence on Wednesday, the matter was adjourned until June 11.
Auxiliary is facing a 17-count charge that includes armed robbery, murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.
The charges stem from an alleged incident that took place on May 29, 2023, at the Ikolaba residence of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Authorities alleged that Lamidi was in possession of AK-47 assault rifles and two SMG rifles with magazines at the time.
The offences are punishable under Section 1(2)(a) and (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, CAP RII, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Lamidi, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, last appeared in court on March 26, when the trial was previously adjourned following a letter from his counsel, Olalekan Ojo, citing ill health.
