Magistrate transfers case on sighting accused

Magistrate transfers case on sighting accused

 A magistrate of the Yaba Magistrate's Court has refused to sit on a criminal matter brought before  her due to what she described as "relationship between the defendant and the court".

The Magistrate, Mrs. M.A Matepo, showed signs of recognition after sighting the defendant, Mr. Waheed Ashas, who was standing trial for a two-count charge of malicious damage.

Matepo immediately told the court he knew the defendant and would not want sentiment to affect the outcome of the case.

She said, "I know him, and he even has a son who is a lawyer, but I do not know why he has nobody to defend him in court.

"Meanwhile, the court would want the case to be transferred because of the relationship between the defendant and the court."

However, there was a mild drama in the court.

 As Ashas stepped out of the dock to bow out of the court, he waited at the aisle to engage the magistrate in eye contact.

Matepo quickly ordered him to leave the court premises.

Ashas, who appeared in court in a traditional wear and with chieftaincy beads around his neck, is standing trial for his role in a December, 2011 incident in which a church building and properties which totalled N2.1million were damaged.

The charge sheet which was obtained by our correspondent reads in part, "That you, Waheed Ashas, and others now at large on the 15th day of December, 2011 at about 2pm at 1, Oke Lane Bariga Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial district did conspire to commit felony to wit malicious damage and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 51 of the Criminal Code Cap 2 Vol.2 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003"

He pleaded not guilty.

The case was adjourned till May 6.