The Zone 2 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, Onikan, Lagos, on Monday, informed Justice Modupe Nicole-Clay of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja, that it was in court to ensure justice in the charge of alleged involuntary manslaughter brought against a Lagos-based auto dealer, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, over the death of his wife, Abimbola.
Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Fetuga Olatunji, made this position while being led in evidence by counsel to the Lagos State Government, Adeshola Bello.
In his testimony before the judge, DSP Olatunji who revealed that the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, in charge of the zone had directed him and his team to investigate the case, also confirmed that it was the late Abimbola who filed a petition against her husband, Ikechukwu, before her death, bordering on attempted murder, threat to life, domestic violence, and conduct likely to cause the breach of peace.
“When we learnt that the matter was reported at the Ajah Police Station, a signal was sent that both the case file and the suspect be transferred to the zonal headquarters.
“My team obtained a statement from Abimbola’s mother because she (Abimbola) was not in the right state of health.
“However, two days later, and while waiting for the case file alongside the suspect to be brought to Zone 2, another information came that Abimbola had died.
“At that point, the AIG ordered that the matter should be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, for proper investigation.”
Meanwhile, during cross-examination by counsel for the defence, Victor Ogunde (SAN), the witness said the defendant couldnt be located at a point during the investigation and that his phones were switched off.
In his words: “Every concluded investigation must have a police report.
“The reason we didn’t have a report is because the investigation on the case was not concluded by us.”
While adjourning the matter until December 13, 2023, for continuation of trial, Justice Modupe Nicole-Clay admitted among other documents the Statement of the witness of the complainant, and Certified True Copy, of the petition as evidence.
The Lagos State Government is accusing the auto dealer of the involuntary manslaughter of his wife Abimbola, who died in a fire incident at their residence on October 12, 2022 in the Lekki area of the state.
The offence, according to the prosecution, is contrary to Section 229 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The charge was amended to include another count charge which reads: “Causing Death by threat”, contrary to Section 217 of the criminal law of Lagos State.
But the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
