Osun State Chief Judge, Adepele Ojo, on Tuesday threatened to transfer the case of Dr Ramon Adedoyin, the owner of Hilton Hotels, Ile-Ife, and six of his staff members standing trial over the death of a Masters student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Timothy Adegoke, to another judge.

Justice Ojo, who handed down the threat because Adedoyin was absent in court, also said at the next sitting, if the hotel owner failed to show up, she might release the other six defendants on bail.

The court had adjourned the matter for the amendment of the charge against the defendants and the adoption of final written addresses by the counsel.

At the day’s proceedings, six other defendants were present but Adedoyin was said to be indisposed.

The prosecution counsel, Fatimah Adesina, who held brief for Mr Femi Falana (SAN), had said the matter was slated for ruling on an application for amendment of charge.

When asked why Adedoyin was not in court, Adesina said correctional service officers informed her that the hotel owner was indisposed, adding that if the court would not object, the matter could proceed.

In her ruling, Justice Ojo said, “It is unfortunate that this case, which I informed everyone would take only six months, seems to be taking longer time. I may have to transfer it to another judge. I don’t have more time on the bench.

“With the way my mind is going, I may have to transfer it. I took pains to write the rulings. Let me tell you, I have two options: either I transfer the case to another judge or grant them bail after this adjournment.”

She thereafter adjourned the matter till November 7 and 8 for 2022.

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