The trial of three suspects accused of murdering Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, officer Funmilayo Lasisi and her daughter, Adesewa, was stalled on Monday at the Osun State High Court in Osogbo because no defence lawyer appeared.
The defendants were brought before Justice Yinka Aderibigbe by officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service for proceedings relating to the alleged killings.
The suspects, Fajemirokun Victor and two others, had previously been arraigned before an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court over their alleged involvement in the offences.
However, the charge could not be read as none of the defendants had legal representation in court.
An Assistant Director at the Osun State Ministry of Justice, Muyiwa Ogunleye, appeared for the prosecution during the proceedings.
Ogunleye told the court that the prosecution had not yet served the defendants with copies of the court processes relating to the case.
He assured the judge that the relevant documents would be served before the next sitting, following an arrangement to deliver them to the correctional facility in Ilesa.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Ogunleye said, “The defendants were to be arraigned today, and they were brought to court this morning, but they were not represented by any lawyer. That is why the case could not go ahead.”
He explained that legal representation was compulsory because of the seriousness of the charge, adding, “Going by the offence they have been charged with, which is a capital offence, they must be represented by counsel.”
Ogunleye said he had assigned a colleague to ensure that the charge documents and hearing notice were served on the defendants on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
He also disclosed that the prosecution had lined up eight witnesses, comprising four police officers and four civilian witnesses, to testify when the case resumes.
Justice Aderibigbe adjourned the matter until December 8, 2026 for the defendants to enter their pleas and for a possible hearing, while directing that lawyers must represent them at the next sitting.
Defence counsel’s absence stalls trial of suspects in FRSC officer, daughter’s murders