The trial of State of Lagos v. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi before Justice Muyideen of the Lagos State High Court, which was scheduled to commence today, November 3, 2026, was again stalled following an objection by the defence to the prosecution’s attempt to call its first witness.
The prosecution was led by Mr. Adebayo Haroun, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Lagos State, while the defence team was led by Chief Olalekan Ojo, SAN.
At the resumption of proceedings, the prosecution announced the introduction of one Bode Ajose as the 4th Defendant and subsequently applied to amend the charge. The application was not opposed by the defence and was accordingly granted by the court.
However, trouble arose when the prosecution attempted to call its first witness, a police officer. The entire defence team immediately objected, contending that the summary of facts outlining the proposed evidence of the witness had not been served on the defendants as part of the proof of evidence.
The defence argued that the prosecution could not legitimately proceed to call its witness without first disclosing the materials constituting its proof of evidence, particularly the summary of facts intended to guide and disclose the nature of the witness’s testimony.
After listening to the parties, the court agreed with the defence and directed the prosecution to furnish the defendants with all documents constituting the proof of evidence before proceeding with the trial.
Following the court’s directive, Chief Olalekan Ojo, SAN, urged the court to vacate the earlier scheduled date of November 5, explaining that the defence would require at least 48 hours to properly study and analyse the documents once served.
The court consequently vacated the earlier date and adjourned the matter to November 10, 19 and 25, 2026, for trial.
HIGH-PROFILE COURTROOM APPEARANCES
Today’s proceedings also attracted significant attention with the appearance of 85-year-old Madam Abimbola Akinjide Williams, SAN, while Chief Femi Falana, SAN, appeared to hold watching brief for the complainants.
THE BODE AJOSE TWIST: QUESTIONS OVER THE IDENTITY OF THE NEWLY INTRODUCED DEFENDANT
Perhaps the most intriguing development in today’s proceedings was the sudden introduction of Bode Ajose as the 4th Defendant in the ongoing murder trial.
Information emerging from the community has raised questions about the identity and background of the newly charged defendant. Bode Ajose is reportedly a native of Ikota in Eti-Osa, Lagos State, and is said to be related to one of the principal complainants, with whom he has allegedly had a longstanding disagreement over family land matters.
There are also claims by persons familiar with the community that the newly introduced defendant has never travelled outside Nigeria and was resident in Eti-Osa throughout the relevant period.
These claims have generated questions about the circumstances surrounding his alleged connection with the individual reportedly linked to events in Germany. The prosecution’s position and the evidence it intends to present on this issue are yet to be tested in court.
As the trial unfolds, Nigerians and observers of the proceedings will undoubtedly be watching closely to understand the circumstances surrounding this latest development.
For now, the question remains: Who exactly is the Bode Ajose now introduced as the 4th Defendant, and what is the evidence linking him to the allegations before the court?
The trial continues on November 10, 2026.
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