Court to rule on suspect’s application to retake his plea January 24

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday fixed January 24 for ruling on the move by a suspect, Adun Adewale, to retake his plea after pleading guilty to a criminal charge.

The judge fixed the date for Adewale to either be convicted for pleading guilty to count one of the two-count charge or retake the plea.

He took the decision after the defence counsel, O.A. Olaleye, and that of the police, Victor Okoye, addressed the court on the propriety of the application.

The defendant had on December 20, 2024, pleaded guilty to count one of the cybercrime charges.

He, however, “pleaded guilty with reason” on count two when it was read to him by the court registrar.

When Justice Nwite asked him what was the reason, Adewale explained from the dock that he saw the post somewhere and forwarded it to his page.

His counsel, therefore, prayed the court for a stand down to confer with his client.

Although Okoye opposed the application, the judge stood down the matter in the interest of justice.

After the court reconvened, Adewale’s counsel told the court that he had a discussion with his client and he told him that he did not understand the charge read to him.

Based on this premise, he prayed the court for the charge to be read again for his client to take his plea.

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