Ondo State Ministry of Justice Secures Conviction in Assault Case Against Legal Practitioner
The Ondo State Ministry of Justice has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of Adekunle Kuteyi, who was charged with unlawfully stabbing legal practitioner Oladire Abayomi, Esq. on 10 July 2024 in Itanla, Ondo.
The prosecution was led by the Honourable Attorney‑General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, who personally supervised the presentation of evidence and the final written address prepared by Dr. Akeredolu, Esq. before the High Court of Ondo State.
In a well‑reasoned judgment, Hon. Justice F. S. Akinbinu held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Relying on witness testimonies, the defendant’s confessional statements, documentary exhibits, and the full record before the court, the judge found that the defendant intentionally assaulted and injured the complainant while he was engaged in his lawful professional duties.
Consequently, the defendant was convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for acts intended to cause grievous harm, contrary to Section 351 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State. In determining sentence, the court considered as a mitigating factor the ₦9,000,000 compensation already paid by the defendant’s family to the complainant.
The Honourable Attorney‑General described the conviction as a reaffirmation of the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to justice, impartial enforcement of the law, and protection of public confidence in the justice system. He stressed that attacks on legal practitioners—officers of the court and custodians of justice—will not be tolerated, noting that such assaults strike at the very foundation of justice itself.
Chief Ajulo commended the courage and diligence of the trial judge, praised the Nigerian Bar Association under the leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for its steadfast advocacy on lawyer safety, and expressed gratitude to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Taiwo Olubodun, Esq., and Dr. Akeredolu, Esq. for their professionalism throughout the proceedings.
He assured citizens of Ondo State that the Ministry of Justice will continue to collaborate with the judiciary to ensure that justice is consistently delivered, peace preserved, and the integrity of the justice system upheld.
