Manslaughter: Man arraigned in court over Mechanic’s death

A middle aged man, Taiwo Adeyemi, was yesterday, arraigned before an Ikeja High court sitting in Lagos for allegedly killing his colleague, Isikilu Oladeinde, with a stick laced with nails after a heated argument.

The incident was said to have occurred at about 5:30pm on the 4th of April, 2014, at Asade market, Agege Lagos, where an argument ensued between the deceased and the defendant.

According to the prosecutor, Mr. A. Adewoye, the defendant was earlier charged with murder but the charge was later amended to Manslaughter as the court ruled that there was no proof of intention to kill.

Shortly after the arraignment before Justice Hansen Oshodi , the elder brother of the deceased – Kehinde Oladeinde, who was a witness in the suit told the court that his brother was a peaceful mechanic who operated at Asade area of Agege, Lagos.

“The deceased wife called me by 11:30pm to come and see his brother whose hand was damaged after a fight, but i could not make it as it was late, but I assured her I would be there the following morning,” he said.

Another witness and a colleague of the deceased, Olujimi Ogunleye who was a welder in the same Alade Market area of Agege, said he was informed of the incident by eye witnesses, after which he mobilised some groups whose job was to accompany the deceased to the hospital for treatment and another to arrest the defendant and have him contribute to the deceased’s welfare and medical bills with no premonition of his death.

“The deceased was taken to general hospital, Ota after chemist treatment failed to stop the swelling on his hand. The hospital later referred them to FMC Abeokuta, stating that the injury could not be properly treated there.

” Unfortunately, Isikilu passed away three days later when his situation became fatal
The matter was reported to the police who picked up Taiwo Adeyemi thereafter.” He said.

The defense counsel, Frank Eke however informed the court that he is handling the case on pro bono basis and He has no prior exhibits or briefing on the matter.

Justice Oshodi, thereafter adjourned the matter till 12th September, 2017 for continuation of trial.