A 23-year-old woman, Jimoh Simiat has been remanded at Ilesa prison by an Osogbo Magistrates’ court for allegedly killing her friend, Esther Oge. The suspect was said to have engaged Oge in a fierce fight because of her boyfriend which eventually led to her death around Fountain University area, Osogbo, on 10th February, 2018.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Mustapha Tajudeen while briefing the court on Tuesday said the incident occurred in Osogbo, as the body of the deceased was found lying by the road side and the accused person committed an offence contrary to Section 316 Vol. 11 Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.
The accused, while explaining the scenario that led to the death of her friend’s death stressed that fight broke out between her and the deceased in the course of trying to get a clarification on an issue.
She explained that the deceased labelled her as a prostitute, to the extent of telling her boyfriend, and it was in the bid to find out the truth from her that fight broke out, which led to Oge’s death.
But the daughter of the deceased, Elizabeth, while giving her own account in court said Simiat and her mother went out together around 7:30pm, the previous day (February 9, 2018). According to her, the mother did not return home afterwards and later, she heard the bad news.
Tajudeen said the offence committed by the accused was contrary to and punishable under Section 316 of Criminal Code Cap 34 Volume II Laws of Osun State , 2002; hence the plea of the accused was not taken.
Delivering his ruling, Magistrate Tunde Badmus said the court does not have jurisdiction to continue with the case, and said the accused person should be remanded in Ilesha prison custody, pending her arraignment at the High Court which has the requisite jurisdiction.
He then adjourned the case till May 8 for mention.
