41-yr-old accused of stealing N40k worth of iron rods jumps to death from Court window

Tragedy struck at the Ogba Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, when a 41-year-old artisan identified as Wasiu Alowonle, jumped to his death from the window of Court 20, smashing his head on the ground in the process.

Reports say Alowonle was standing trial for allegedly stealing iron rods worth N40,000 when he jumped through the window of the courtroom which is on the third floor of the four-storey building.

Sources say Alowonle was earlier granted bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety in like sum but nobody came for him and he was subsequently remanded in the Kirikiri Medium Prison pending when his bail condition would be perfected.

According to the source; “He was arraigned on October 16, 2017, for stealing iron rods worth N40,000. He was admitted to bail in the sum of N20,000, but nobody came for him. The matter was slated for trial on Wednesday. He was brought from the Kirikiri prison.

“The magistrate called the case, but it was stood down. He just stood up suddenly and went straight to the window, which was open. Before we knew what was happening, he had jumped from the window. Attempts by the warders to stop him proved abortive. He landed on his head and died on the spot.

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“The window was supposed to be shut, but the air conditioners in the court were not working. They have been fixed today (Thursday). I think the man was frustrated because his relations and friends abandoned him in the prison. There was confusion everywhere.”

A police source also revealed that the deceased had been arraigned in Ikeja Magistrate’s Court a few months ago for another case of stealing, but the case was struck out because he refused to appear in court.

“The incident is a suicide case. I can’t imagine what could have made him to kill himself,” he added.

The incident was also confirmed by SP Chike Oti, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer who noted that investigations into the case was ongoing.

“The man was taken from the prison to the Magistrate’s Court in Ogba. He was charged with stealing. While the proceeding was going on, he jumped from the third floor through the window and died. His name is Wasiu Alowonle and he was arraigned before Magistrate O.I. Raji. We are investigating the incident.”

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