Trial Over Murders of FRSC Officer and Daughter Delayed as Suspects Appear Without Counsel

The trial of three individuals accused of murdering Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer Funmilayo Lasisi and her daughter, Adesewa, was put on hold after the defendants appeared in court without legal representation, according to a report by Daily Post Nigeria.

Officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service transported the primary suspect, Fajemirokun Victor, along with two other unnamed co-defendants, before Justice Yinka Aderibigbe at the Osun State High Court in Osogbo. However, formal proceedings could not advance because no defence counsel was present to represent them.

Lack of Legal Representation Halts Arraignment

The suspects were initially brought before an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court regarding the alleged killings before the matter moved to the state High Court. When the defendants arrived for their scheduled arraignment, the court was unable to take their formal pleas due to the absence of a defence lawyer.

Muyiwa Ogunleye, an Assistant Director at the Osun State Ministry of Justice who appeared for the prosecution, explained after the session that legal counsel is mandatory under the law for such severe allegations. Because the suspects face capital charges, the court cannot read the formal charges or take a plea without qualified legal practitioners standing for the accused.

Outstanding Court Papers and Witness Plans

In addition to the absence of defence attorneys, Ogunleye informed the court that the prosecution had not yet served the defendants with copies of the relevant court processes. He told the judge that the ministry had made arrangements to deliver the legal documents to the correctional facility in Ilesa before the next court date.

Speaking to reporters, Ogunleye stated that a colleague had been assigned to serve the formal charge documents and hearing notice. He also noted that the state has prepared eight witnesses to testify during the trial, including four police officers and four civilian witnesses, once the case gets underway.

Next Steps in the Capital Case

Following the brief court appearance, Justice Aderibigbe adjourned the case until December 8, 2026. The judge directed that the defendants must have legal representation secured by the time the court reconvenes so they can formally enter their pleas and proceed to a potential hearing.

Further background on the specific circumstances surrounding the killings or the identities of the other two co-defendants was not disclosed during the proceedings reported by the publication.

Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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