A 38-year-old man, Adekunle Rotimi, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly attempting to strangle a policewoman while trying to escape from a courtroom in Osogbo, Osun State. Rotimi’s arrest comes after a dramatic incident that occurred at the Osun State Magistrate’s Court on February 18, 2025, where he allegedly attacked Policewoman Babatunde Omotayo as she tried to stop him from fleeing.
Rotimi, who was already facing charges for unlawful possession of firearms, was arraigned before the Osun State Magistrate’s Court, where he was formally charged with attempted murder and attempted escape. The police prosecutor, Saheed Anifowose, revealed in court that Rotimi attempted to flee from the courtroom by pinning Officer Omotayo inside a fish pond on the court premises and attempting to strangle her. This shocking act was reportedly part of his bid to escape custody after being brought to the court for his initial hearing.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over security in Nigerian courts and the level of preparedness to handle dangerous suspects during hearings. It also raises questions about the conditions of detention and whether adequate measures are in place to prevent such escapes.
On the day of the incident, Rotimi was in court for a hearing related to charges of unlawful possession of firearms. According to the prosecutor, Rotimi’s attempt to escape began when he requested permission to step away from the courtroom, citing a need to use the restroom. However, as he was being escorted by the policewoman, he reportedly took advantage of the situation, grabbing Officer Omotayo and pinning her inside a fish pond within the court premises. The prosecutor further alleged that Rotimi tried to strangle the officer in an attempt to flee.
The attack was quickly interrupted by other officers present at the scene, who rushed to assist Officer Omotayo and subdue the defendant. Rotimi was eventually restrained and returned to custody. However, the attempted escape and the violent attack on a police officer raised serious concerns about the suspect’s intentions and the security risks associated with court proceedings.
Rotimi’s defense lawyer, Dauda Oyewale, pleaded not guilty to the charges of attempted escape and attempted murder on his client’s behalf. He argued that the alleged offenses were bailable, requesting the court to grant Rotimi bail while the case was ongoing.
At the bail hearing, the prosecutor opposed the application for bail, citing Rotimi’s prior arrest for unlawful possession of firearms and his violent attempt to escape as reasons to keep him in custody. The prosecutor also alleged that Rotimi used the excuse of needing to urinate as a cover for his attempt to escape, further raising doubts about his intentions and trustworthiness.
Magistrate Dr. Olusegun Ayilara, presiding over the case, considered both the defense’s request and the prosecutor’s objection. After careful deliberation, the court decided to grant bail to the defendant in the sum of N2 million. However, the magistrate stipulated that Rotimi must provide one surety who owns land in Osun State to secure his release.
The case was adjourned until May 8, 2025, for further hearing. The adjournment gives both the prosecution and the defense additional time to present their arguments and for the court to make a final determination on the case.
The incident involving Rotimi has drawn significant attention due to the increasing number of security breaches within Nigerian courtrooms. While the country’s judicial system continues to face numerous challenges, including overcrowded prisons and understaffed law enforcement agencies, the attack on Officer Omotayo highlights the serious risks that police officers face while escorting suspects during hearings.
In recent years, there have been several cases of suspects attempting to escape from courtrooms or custody, sometimes with the help of outside accomplices or by exploiting lapses in security. These incidents have raised concerns about the adequacy of security measures in the country’s judicial facilities and the need for improvements to protect officers, judges, and the public.
The issue of unlawful possession of firearms has also become a growing concern in Nigeria, with many suspects facing firearms-related charges. This case is particularly significant because Rotimi was already in court for a firearms offense when he attempted to escape and allegedly attacked the policewoman. His actions further highlight the dangers posed by individuals who are in possession of illegal weapons and their willingness to resort to violence when faced with legal consequences.
The attempted murder of Officer Omotayo has sparked public outrage, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the safety of law enforcement officers who are responsible for maintaining order in the courts. The attack also underscores the challenges that police officers face in dealing with dangerous suspects, particularly those who are armed or willing to use violence to avoid facing justice.
Many have called for a review of security protocols in Nigerian courts to prevent similar incidents in the future. Advocates argue that there should be stricter measures in place to ensure the safe transport and custody of suspects, particularly those facing serious charges like unlawful possession of firearms.
Additionally, there have been calls for more resources to be allocated to the police force to ensure that officers are adequately trained and equipped to handle potentially dangerous situations in the courtroom. The incident has also raised questions about the legal process and whether there are sufficient safeguards in place to ensure the safety of all individuals involved in court proceedings.
