The trial of Hilton Hotels owner, Ile-Ife, Dr. Ramon Adedoyin, and six of his staff, over the death of a Masters student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Timothy Adegoke, suffers set back due to his absence.
The court had adjourned the matter for the amendment of the charge against the defendants and adoption of final written addresses by the counsel.
At the resumption of trial, six other defendants were present but Adedoyin was said to be indisposed.
The prosecution counsel, Fatimah Adesina, who held brief for Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, had said the matter was slated for ruling on the application for amendment of charge.
But when the Judge asked why Adedoyin was not in court, Adesina said Correctional Service officers informed her that the hotel owner was indisposed, adding that if the court would not object, the matter can proceed.
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But Thanni Olalekan, holding brief for K. Eleja, the counsel representing Adedoyin and Muritala Abdulrasheed, SAN the counsel representing 2nd, 3rd and 5th defendants in their separate submissions, said the 1st defendant must be present before the matter could proceed.
Mr O. Yusuf, counsel to the 3rd and 6th defendants and Okon Ita, representing the 7th defendants both aligned with Olalekan and Abdulrasheed on the matter, lamenting the long period their clients have been held in detention
In her ruling, Justice Adepele Ojo, said that it is unfortunate that the case which she thought would take only six months seems to be taking longer, noting that she may have to transfer it to another judge, due to her lesser years on the bench.
“The court is not to blame for this I am sure, in line with the submission of counsel, the presence of the defendant is very sacrosanct. Since he is not here I may have to transfer it to another judge with more years in service.
Justice Ojo, who is the Chief Judge of the state, threatened that if at the next sitting, the hotel owner failed to show up, she might release the other six defendants on bail.
