The Ondo State Judiciary has refuted an allegation raised by a man, Olupelumi Fagboyegun, who said illegally detained and denied justice by Chief Judge Olarenwaju Akeredolu.

Mr. Fagboyegun had on Monday made an allegation in a viral video that he was arrested for forcefully entering his father’s house when he returned from overseas three years ago.

Mr. Fagboyegun also claimed that after being arrested and arraigned, the court has been dilly-dallying on the charges to keep him perpetually in court while he is still in open remand.

He said he has not been able to return to his life and family overseas due to the prolonged matter which he claimed was due to the chief judge who he said is his sister.

Reacting to the claim, the Ondo State Judiciary spokesperson, Bolatito Ajibade, stated that Mr. Fagboyegun has no evidence and only wants to tarnish the image of the state’s judicial system.

“Obviously, the said Olupelumi was intent on tarnishing the image of the Judiciary  and denting the well-earned integrity of the fountain of justice in Ondo State.  However, he apparently failed to add credence, proof or substance to the allegations he glibly made to whip up sentiments in the public domain.”

“For the records, the Judiciary of Ondo State has, over the years, maintained a high level of integrity and unbiased administration of justice to all and sundry regardless of status, age or class,” a statement from Mrs. Ajibade stated.

In the statement she also explained that Mr. Fagboyegun was never in prison custody on the order of Chief Judge Akeredolu, and the investigation conducted by the Court Registrar reveals that Mr. Olupelumi was arraigned in 2018.

The statement said Mr. Fagboyegun’s matter will follow due procedure and the court will not be blackmailed into making decisions as the case is still pending in court.

“It is strange to note that a matter pending before the court can become a subject of media hype targeted at whipping up sentiments to intimidate and blackmail an institution set up by law to adjudicate and also to prosecute offences,” the statement added.