A Yaba Chief Magistrate Court, Friday ordered the remand of a dismissed police sergeant, Samuel Phillips for 30 days pending the legal advice of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP)
Philips was brought before Chief Magistrate Adeola Adedayo, Friday on a one-count charge for murder of an 18-year old girl, Monsurat Ojuade.
Miss Ojuade was hit by stray bullet on September 11 during a criminal raid investigations in the Ijeshatedo area of Lagos by police operatives. She died on her way to the hospital.
Her death attracted widespread criticisms from the deceased family and other Lagosians who mandated the police high command to fish out the killer of the 18-year-old admission seeker and ensure justice is served.
Phillips, who was later identified as the killer was arrested and dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force after an orderly room trial. He was brought before the Yaba Magistrate court yesterday.
The one count charge read that Sergeant Samuel Philips at about 11.30 pm at 53, Mogaji Street Ijeshatedo, unlawfully released gunshots into the building which hit Monsurat on her two thighs resulting in her death.
The presiding magistrate, during the brief proceeding, granted the application made by the prosecutor for the remand of the accused for 30 days, pending the advice of the Lagos state Directorate of Public Prosecution because a magistrate court lacks the jurisdiction to hear a murder charge. The DPP’s advice is needed for the trial to commence at the State High Court. The matter was adjourned to October 25.