An Akure Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest and remand of the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, over an alleged assault on Chief Magistrate Temitope Alphonso.
The incident reportedly occurred within the premises of the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs while the magistrate was on official assignment.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the police filed charges of “assault” against Osamaye, with court documents alleging both verbal and physical abuse following a judgement the commissioner reportedly found unfavourable.
During Wednesday’s court session, Osamaye was absent but represented by her counsel, A.K. Adewusi, who informed the court that she was receiving treatment at a hospital in Ilara-Mokin, Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.
The lawyer requested a 90-minute stand down to allow time to present a medical report, a request which was granted by the presiding magistrate.
Upon resumption, Adewusi tendered a hospital report indicating that the commissioner was undergoing medical care.
However, the prosecution, led by Suleiman Adebayo, challenged the credibility of the medical document.
In his ruling, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni rejected the report, stating it lacked essential details.
“The report did not indicate that the commissioner was on admission in a hospital or medically unfit to attend court,” Sekoni ruled.
He further noted that the document failed to specify the date and time of the alleged hospital admission, deeming it insufficient.
Citing disregard for court proceedings, Magistrate Sekoni ordered the immediate arrest and remand of the commissioner in a correctional facility.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to January 12 for further hearing.