Ondo Judge withdraws from suit over bias allegations

Justice Adeyemi Fasanmi of the Ondo State High Court has withdrawn from a murder case over the killing of some relatives of the Ajagunode of Ode Community, Oba Sunday Adewole Boboye, following allegations of being biased in his judgement by the monarch.

Justice Fasanmi who ruled and granted bail to the five accused dragged before the court on a six-count charge ranging from conspiracy, malicious damage, arson and murder, pending the determination of their trial.

The five accused who include, Ajayi Samson, Kole Omojowo, Oluwole Karimu, Akinsulu Mayowa and Lucky William from Isinigbo community had earlier been granted bail by the magistrate court, while the Ajagunode of Ode monarch kicked against the bail.

The Presiding Judge, Fasanmi subsequently granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N5m among other conditions which must be perfected and met within 10 days.

However, the monarch who was infuriated by the judgement marched forward alleging the Judge of being biased and lenient with the accused, telling the court he had petitioned the Chief Judge of the state, requesting for the transfer of the matter.

The monarch informed the court that he had also petitioned the police to intimate them over the continuous attack and threat by the accused, alleging the defendants of still unleashing terror on him and his people.

He reminded the court that he lost one of his children and two brothers who were set ablaze inside his vehicles lto the attack that led to the court case.

The traditional head of Ode Community maintained that the judge granted bail to the defendants because he knew them and was biased about the case, demanding that the judge should transfer his case from the judge.

The judge after listening to the monarch demanded an apology from the traditional ruler saying his utterances was a stain on his integrity.

The monarch, however, tendered his apology, just as the prosecuting counsel apologised for the conduct of the complainant.

Fasanmi while maintaining that his character was unquestionable, withdrew from the case and transferred the case back to the chambers of the Chief Judge for reassignment.

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