Kunle Fadipe: killed

By Henry Ojelu.

Oluwaseun Oladapo, the alleged killer of prominent Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Kunle Fadipe, was today arraigned before a Lagos High Court for murder.

Oladapo, 25, is also standing trial for the murder of Fadipe’s mother-in-law, Mrs Cecelia Owolabi.

Oladapo, a carpenter and a resident of No. 24, Osho St., Panseke, Abeokuta, Ogun State, is facing a five-count charge of murder, armed robbery and assault occasioning harm before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye.

The prosecution, led by Mrs Idowu Alakija, of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), alleged that Oladapo committed the offences on 4 July, 2014 at Fadipe’s residence located at No. 1, Harmony Estate, Ifako-Ijaiye, Iju area of Lagos.

According to her, Oladapo while armed with a kitchen knife gained forceful entry into Fadipe’s home to rob him of an unspecified sum of money.

She said in a struggle that ensued during the armed robbery, the accused stabbed Fadipe as well as members of his family which included son Folahanmi, his mother-in-law, Mrs Cecelia Owolabi and one Abiola Owolabi.

Alakija said Fadipe sustained numerous stab wounds in the knife attack while his mother-in-law got a stab injury to the chest.

The prosecution stated and the injuries were fatal, leading to their deaths.

Alakija said the offences contravened Sections 171, 221 and 295(2)(a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

Oladapo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After the charges were read to the accused, Alakija made a request to the court that the trial should commence immediately.

“My Lord, we would like the trial to commence immediately because we have two prosecution witnesses in court who are ready to testify.” Alakija said.

The defence counsel, Mr Worer Obuagbaka , however, objected to Alakija’s request because he was not ready to proceed with the trial.

“My Lord, I was just given the brief to defend the accused less than an hour ago. From my perusal of the proof of evidence before me, there is no autopsy report available. This is a grievous offence and the defence needs adequate time to prepare for the trial.” He said.

Justice Ipaye subsequently adjourned the case to 17 and 18 August for the prosecution to open its case.