A former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Jokotola Pelumi, was on Tuesday in Lagos
arraigned for allegedly receiving into his home, Adekunle Dabiri, who was alleged to have murdered a Deputy Superintendent of Police with five others.
The 59-year-old Pelumi, a lawyer, was brought before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court on a charge of receiving a murder suspect and also aiding his escape.
Pelumi called the shots as speaker during the second tenure of former Governor Bola Tinubu.
Pelumi was impeached on December 29, 2005 and in his place, Mr Adeyemi Kuforiji also from Epe 1 constituency was elected.
The impeachment was signed by 32 of the 40 members of the House at an emergency sitting convened for that purpose.
The impeachment was said to be in compliance with Section 92 (2), (c) of the 1999 Constitution.
The then Clerk of the House, Mr Rasheed Jaiyesinmi, who read the impeachment notice on the floor of the House, said the move was “in view of the urgent need to re-position the House as well as enhancing services to the people of Lagos State.”
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to Police Prosecutor J.I. Eboseremen, the former speaker committed the offence on October 27 at Agbowa near Ikorodu in Lagos.
He alleged that the accused had received Adekunle Dabiri into his home after he allegedly murdered Akingboju Akindele, a DSP.
He said the accused also aided the escape of Dabiri from the hands of the police.
The offence contravened Section 231 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
While granting Pelumi bail in the sum of N1 million, Chief Magistrate A.O. Adedayo said he should also produce two responsible sureties in like sum.
She said one of the sureties should be a member of the House of Assembly and adjourned the case until November 26
for mention.
