Proceedings at the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, were on Tuesday abruptly suspended after a former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, popularly known as Auxiliary, suddenly collapsed in court.
The incident occurred during the hearing of a criminal case marked Suit No: I/74c/2024 — The State vs. Mukaila Lamidi (Auxiliary).
Auxiliary, who was seated in the dock awaiting the call of the matter, reportedly slumped without warning, causing panic among lawyers, court officials and other attendees.
Security personnel and court officials swiftly moved in to assist the defendant as the courtroom descended into confusion.
Following the incident, the presiding judge, Justice Bayo Taiwo, was unable to proceed with the day’s business, leading to an immediate suspension of proceedings.
Auxiliary was promptly evacuated from the courtroom and taken back to the Agodi Correctional Centre clinic, where he is currently being held, for urgent medical attention.
As of the time of filing this report, the extent of his medical condition had not been officially disclosed.
The former NURTW chairman is standing trial on a 17-count charge bordering on armed robbery, murder, attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences include the possession and use of an AK-47 rifle and two submachine guns (SMGs), along with their magazines.
The charges are linked to incidents said to have occurred on May 29, 2023, at about 2:00 pm, near the Ikolaba residence of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan.
At press time, it was unclear when the court would resume hearing in the matter.