Man Arraigned in Osun for Attempting to Kill Female Police Officer

A 38-year-old man, Adekunle Rotimi, was arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court in Osun State on Tuesday for attempting to kill a female police officer within the court premises. The Osun State Police Command accused Rotimi of assaulting Woman Police Officer Babatunde Omotayo in an attempt to escape custody on February 18, 2025.

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Incident Details and Charges

According to Police Prosecutor Anifowose Saheed, the defendant was initially in custody for unlawful possession of firearms. During his court appearance, he requested to use the restroom but instead attempted to escape. In the process, he allegedly pinned Officer Omotayo inside a fish pond near the court’s perimeter fence and tried to strangle her.

Rotimi was charged with two counts: attempted escape from lawful custody and attempted murder. However, he pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Legal Arguments and Bail Decision

His defense counsel, Dauda Oyewale, argued that the charges against him were bailable and urged the court to grant him bail under lenient terms. The prosecution, however, opposed bail, warning that releasing the defendant could jeopardize the trial, given his previous escape attempt.

Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara ruled in favor of bail, setting it at ₦2 million with one surety in a like sum. The surety must also be a landowner in Osun State. The case was adjourned until May 8, 2025, for further hearing.

This case highlights ongoing security concerns regarding detainee management and courthouse safety in Osun State.