A 38-year-old man, Adekunle Rotimi, has been granted bail after allegedly attempting to kill a policewoman who stopped his escape from a courtroom.
The dramatic incident unfolded on February 18, 2025, when Rotimi, who was standing trial for unlawful possession of firearms, allegedly tried to flee from the court. Prosecutors claimed that in a desperate bid to escape, he attacked Policewoman Babatunde Omotayo, pinning her inside a fish pond and attempting to strangle her.
Brought before Chief Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara on Tuesday, Rotimi pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and escape from custody. His defense lawyer, Dauda Oyewale, argued that the charges were bailable, urging the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.
However, the prosecutor opposed the request, warning that releasing the suspect could jeopardize the case. “He was already on trial when he attempted to flee. Granting him bail could compromise the prosecution,” the prosecutor argued.
Despite the objection, Magistrate Ayilara granted Rotimi bail in the sum of N2 million with one surety, who must be a landowner within the state. The case has been adjourned until May 8 for further hearing.
