Nigerians may have reservations about some judicial officers but there are still many incorruptible magistrates/judges around. A typical example of fair and objective judicial head is Chief Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun. If you want to know fair and just magistrates, ask the lawyers.
When Lagos residents read an article flying around on internet titled ‘‘Politisation of Justice Administration in Lagos State’’ and the name of the incorruptible magistrate was mentioned; even lawyers that have appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s court 1, Yaba, Lagos; frown at the unfactual article and tagged it a ‘pure blackmail’’.
In an article written by Fadaka Louis and published by one online medium ‘‘Gbetu’’ alleged that Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun is using her position to guarantee underhand political advantage for her employers, the APC-led Lagos State Government.
According to the online medium, some Labour party members were arrested on Sunday, 26th February 2023, and taken before Magistrate Olatunbosunon 10th March, 2023 and they were detained by the court and imposed stringent bail conditions.
Contrary to the unfactual report, Hotnewsnaija.com.ng gathered that Paul Chizom Kanu, 38 years , and Ebinga Charity, 40 years, were arrested and charged to court for being possession of 114 permanent Voters Cards (PVC ) contrary to section 117 of the Electoral Act of 2022.
Also, Joseph Agada (47 years), Mike Nwokeadia (30 years) and Oshideko Adenike (40 years) were charged for unlawful possession of jack knives, tear gas and other dangerous weapons.
Investigation further revealed that Joseph Agada dressed in a Legion security regalia, on the day of election, with the intention to intimidate voters contrary to the provisions of section 126(1) of the Electoral Act , 2022 and punishable under the same section.
With this narrative, how did the Labour party members want the Magistrate handle the matter? Release the accused without bail conditions or what? These are the questions begging for answers.
To many lawyers, the allegation of biasness is baseless and it does not represent the through personality of the incorruptible Chief magistrate.
According to a lawyer who has had many cases before the Magistrate Olatunbosun, Barr. Joseph Itono, he opined that the Chief magistrate is one of the best dutiful magistrates you can get justice in respect of your status, connection or ethnic group.
He said, ‘‘The article lacks facts and it is a pure blackmail. Chief Magistrate Olatunbosun is one of the best magistrates in Lagos State where you are sure of getting justice; even against the government. If your court processes are good and facts are well presented, it is a good case for you in front of her.
‘‘For me as a lawyer, I cannot count the numbers of cases that I have gotten justices against the government when she presided. I think politicians should stop the blackmail against the personality of a noble magistrate.’’
On the same vein, Mikail Obafunwa revealed how magistrate Olatunbosun save his life after spending six years at Kirikiri Medium Custodian Centre for wrong identification.
‘‘Magistrate Olatunbosun is a rare magistrate in Lagos State. She is fair and just in all matters. I can recollect how she saved my life after spending six years in prison for wrong identification. When I read about Labour Party’s story, I know some politicians are trying to blackmail the innocent magistrate,’’ he said.
Another lawyer, Jubril Rahmon, argued that politicians always look for ways to pull a righteous person down for their political interests.
He said, ‘‘Nobody can run-down the members of bench in the name of politics. What concerns the magistrate that an accused is a member of APC, PDP or LP. When I read through the article, I didn’t see a single fault of the Chief Magistrate. It is the high time the politicians take their politicking away from courts. Law is a serious business and we shall continue to uphold it any day; anytime.’’
