The arraignment of a medical director, Femi Olaleye, in the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court on Monday was stalled following his absence.

Mr Olaleye was to be arraigned for the alleged defilement of a 16-year-old girl (name withheld).

Justice Ramon Oshodi adjourned the arraignment of Mr Olaleye until November 30, following his absence in court.

The state counsel, Oluwagbenga Alagbe, informed the court that they were ready for the arraignment when the case was called, but unfortunately, Mr Olaleye was not in court.

Mr Alagbe told the court that the prosecution had done the needful in a November 18 letter sent to the suspect, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), to notify all parties of Monday’s proceedings.

He subsequently urged the court to issue a bench warrant against him.

In his response, the defence counsel, Babatunde Ogala, SAN, apologised for his client’s absence, noting that he was out of town when the letter was sent to him.

He argued that the suspect was not served, but they were ready to receive the process on his behalf.

Mr Ogala urged the court to grant them further dates while assuring the court that he would be available at the next date of adjournment.

There was a mild drama after the court proceedings, where one of the counsels, Olusegun Fabunmi, SAN, who appeared for Mr Olaleye, harassed and humiliated a group of journalists for capturing the event.

Mr Fabunmi ordered Judge Audile Gbadamosi to seize the phones used by the reporters, arguing that journalists do not have the right to video record outside the courtroom.

On November 20, the Lagos State government sent a letter of notification titled, “State of Lagos vs Dr Olufemi Olaleye,” signed by the Principal State Council of DPP, Oluwagbenga Alagbe, to the office of the medical doctor to make provision for a legal practitioner of his choice.

(NAN)