By Lateef Dada Osogbo
A 45-year-old man, Sikiru Adebayo, was yesterday arraigned before an Osun state Magistrate’s Court, sitting in Osogbo, the state capital, for allegedly beating his son to death. Th e accused person was alleged to have punished his son who he accused of stealing neighbour’s belt. Th e Prosecutor, Mr. Duro Adekunle, informed the court that the accused person committed the off ence on July 31, 2017 at Abidogun area, Zone 7, Osogbo.
Th e alleged off ence, according to the charge sheet, was contrary to and punishable under Section 319 (1) of the Criminal code, cap 34, volume II, Laws of Osun state of Nigeria, 2003. Meanwhile, the plea of the accused was not taken by the Magistrate’s Court. Adekunle said the Director for Public Prosecution (DPP) had released its advice and noted that the accused should be charged for manslaughter instead of the murder charge slammed against him by the police.
Th e Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Fatimoh Sodamade, thereby asked the police to amend the charge from murder to manslaughter. She ordered that the accused be kept in Police custody till August 11, when the matter would be mentioned in court.
