The trial of Mukaila Lamidi, popularly known as Auxiliary, the former Chairman of the Park Management System (PMS) in Oyo State, continued on Wednesday at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.
The prosecution called its seventh witness, Fatai Awodele, a driver who testified about the events that occurred on May 29, 2023, at Governor Seyi Makinde’s Ikolaba residence.
Lamidi faces a 17-count charge, including armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During his testimony, Awodele recounted being attacked by men allegedly led by Lamidi. He claimed that the assailants, armed with cutlasses, knives, and sticks, and wearing red caps, stormed the premises and severely injured him. Awodele stated that he was robbed of his wristwatch and ₦65,000 in cash and left unconscious.
“I only managed to leave the scene after regaining consciousness. A motorcyclist passing by took me to the Testing Ground Police Station, where I lodged a complaint. From there, I was transported by ambulance to the Government House Clinic for medical attention,” Awodele told the court.
During cross-examination, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo, representing the defence, challenged Awodele’s ability to identify the attackers amidst the chaotic scene involving numerous individuals and security operatives.
Justice Bayo Taiwo adjourned the case to Thursday, January 9, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing. The prosecution has so far called seven out of its 16 listed witnesses since opening its case on November 27, 2024.
Notable attendees in court included retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, the Executive Assistant to Governor Makinde on Security. The trial is one of several legal battles involving Lamidi, who is accused of orchestrating violent attacks during his tenure as PMS chairman.