The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusola Odusola, has initiated an investigation into a controversial judgment delivered by Chief Magistrate Tope Aladejana. The case, which has sparked widespread discussions online, involves the sentencing of Benjamin Andrew to three years in prison for stealing cocoa from a complainant’s farm.
In the judgment delivered on August 12, Benjamin Andrew, who had no legal representation, was found guilty of stealing cocoa. The complainant had reported multiple incidents of theft, and the court acted swiftly in response. However, the lack of a proper trial process has raised concerns within and outside the state, prompting the judiciary to take action.
The statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the state judiciary, Mrs Yetunde Ajanaku, said the judiciary was disturbed about the judgment and the uproar it has generated in social media within and outside the state.
The statement made available to journalists on Saturday read, “Ondo State Judiciary has taken note of a recent judicial pronouncement delivered by an Ondo State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ile-Oluji on the 12th day of August 2024 in the matter with Charge No: MIL/25C/2024, the case of the Commissioner of Police (COP) versus Benjamin Andrew in which the purported Certified True Copies of this judgment has become the subject of extensive online discussions and public scrutiny.
“Ondo State Judiciary is deeply concerned about this development and the learned Honourable Chief Judge has promptly launched a meticulous investigation to authenticate the veracity of the Certified True Copies of the said judgment, as well as to thoroughly examine the circumstances leading to the pronouncement thereof if the Judgment is duly authenticated.
This action is aimed at ensuring that the court proceedings and practices in the state strictly adhere to the letter and spirit of the applicable laws and established judicial conventions.
“Ondo State Judiciary hereby reassures the general public of its unwavering commitment to the sacred cause of justice, even while acknowledging the inherent possibility of human frailties and occasional oversights. We respectfully appeal for calm and composed deliberation as it diligently works to resolve the issues that have arisen in this matter.”
The Ondo State Judiciary aims to uphold justice while acknowledging the possibility of human error. As investigations continue, the public is urged to remain calm and await further developments in this matter.
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