Judge recuses self from murder case after alleged bias
There was a mild drama at the Ondo State High Court on Wednesday as a traditional ruler of Ode Community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state, Oba Sunday Boboye, accused Justice Adeyemi Fasanmi of bias in a case of murder before the court.
The case involved five defendants – Ajayi Samson, Kole Omojowo, Oluwole Karimu, Akinsulu Mayowa and Lucky William from Isinigbo community in Akure North Local Government Area.
The defendants were charged for alleged involvement in a crisis that occurred in Ode Community in 2020 where some residents were allegedly killed and property destroyed.
The deceased were said to be relatives of Oba Boboye.
The defendants were arraigned before the court on a six-count charge bothering on conspiracy, malicious damage, arson and murder.
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Justice Fasanmi, in his ruling, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N5million among other conditions which must be perfected and met within 10 days.
However, the monarch who was infuriated by the ruling, confronted the judge during the proceeding, accusing him of bias and being too lenient with the defendants in his ruling.
“I have petitioned the Chief Judge of the state and I have requested for the transfer of this case from your court,” he said.
The traditional ruler alleged that the judge granted bail to the defendants because he knew them and was biased about the case, demanding that the case should be transferred to another court.
The monarch later apologised to Justice Fasanmi for his conduct in the court.
Fasanmi, while maintaining that his character and integrity were unquestionable, withdrew from the case and transferred the case back to the chambers of the Chief Judge for reassignment.
