By Felix Kuyinu
A man identified as Robert Makolo is on trial for failing to produce a suspect he stood for as surety in a case of defilement.
The suspect, who stood in surety for his sibling, Paul Makolo, appeared for prosecution before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
Makolo, who was earlier arraigned on January 22 on a two-count of conspiracy and perversion of justice pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that Makolo stood in as surety on Nov 16, 2023 at the Anthony Police Station. He said that the defendant, in a letter of undertaking on November 30, 2023, promised to produce the suspect anytime his presence was required until the case is finally disposed off.
Ikhayere, however, disclosed that the defendant has failed to bring the suspect as promised causing a delay in his prosecution, thus, contravening the provisions of Section 97 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos.
The Magistrate, Lateef Owolabi, adjourned the case until May 30 for mention and to enable the defendant produce the suspect.
Magistrate Owolabi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. He ordered that the sureties must produce evidence of 3 years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He also mandated that one of the sureties must be a blood relative.