In a dramatic courtroom scene yesterday, a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court ordered the remand of Ganiyu Oyedepo, popularly known as Koko Zaria, a prominent chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), in prison custody.
The decision followed Oyedepo’s arraignment on accusations of conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, and conduct likely to breach public peace. The charges stem from an alleged attack on Nollywood actor Alhaji Ade Adele, known to his fans as Baba Lawori.
The courtroom drama unfolded as Chief Magistrate B. Sonuga presided over the case, remanding Oyedepo after he entered a plea of not guilty. The legal proceedings, marked by the charge number B/40/2024, were spearheaded by prosecutor Morufu Animashaun, a legal officer from the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) at Alagbon.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on June 5, 2024, at Idimu, where Oyedepo, in collaboration with unnamed associates, allegedly orchestrated an assault on Adele.
The attack reportedly involved one of Oyedepo’s ‘boys’ injuring Adele by breaking a bottle over his head. The prosecutor highlighted that these actions violated sections 411, 173, and 168 (l)(d) of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, with penalties prescribed under section 168 (2) of the same laws.
The charges read in court detailed the alleged offenses: “That you Ganiyu Oyedepo on or about June 25, 2024, at Idimu, Lagos, conspired to commit Felony wit: Assault Occasioning Harm and committed an Offence contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State.”
The defense team, led by S. Bello and S. O. Ajetomobi, argued for Oyedepo’s bail, asserting that the charges were bailable. They requested that the court grant their client bail on the most lenient terms possible.
After considering the submissions from both sides, Chief Magistrate Sonuga granted Oyedepo bail set at N2 million, with the condition of providing two sureties of like sum. These sureties must possess impeccable character, verifiable means of livelihood, and reside within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, they must present evidence of three years’ tax payments and have their addresses verified.
While the court adjourned the case to October 29 for mention, Oyedepo was remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions. The courtroom drama continues, leaving many to ponder the unfolding legal saga involving the NURTW chieftain and the popular Nollywood actor.
