Titilayo Benson, a 38-year-old woman who had been held at the Female correctional Facility, Kirikiri, for about 10 years without trial, regained her freedom on Thursday.
Mrs Benson was set free by a judge at the Lagos State High Court, Oluwatoyin Taiwo, following a plea bargain between the state government and the defendant.
“She has been in custody for over 10 years without arraignment,” a representative of the Directorate of Public Prosecution told the judge.
“How did that happen? How can anybody be in custody in 10 years without being in court? It is not possible,” a visibly shocked judge asked.
Responding to the judge, O.A Bajulaiye-Bishi, a representative of the office of the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Justice, explained that there is evidence of production warrant but the defendant was not brought to court, and it is most likely the production warrant was not delivered.
Background
Mrs Benson’s journey to jail began on February 8, 2010, when she fought with Blessing Imade, her friend and housemate, PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported.
While Ms Imade cut her with a razor blade, Mrs Benson retaliated by stabbing her with a broken bottle. Her friend died after a month, while still receiving treatment for the injury she sustained.
Mrs Benson was, thereafter, arrested and detained for months at the State Criminal Intelligence Department (SCID) Panti, before being charged to court.
She was charged before an Ebutte-Meta Magistrate Court for causing the death of another – a matter which the magistrate court has no jurisdiction over.