The case in question, involving charges of assault, is currently before Hon. Magistrate Olanrewaju Owoleso at Magistrate Court 1. Despite the offence being manageable within police prosecutorial capabilities, concerns have been raised regarding the handling of the case.
Allegations of intentional obstruction and mishandling have surfaced in the prosecution of an assault case against Dr. Olaolu Olubiyi at Magistrate Court 1 in Ado-Ekiti, prompting significant concerns from the Take It Back Movement.
According to Omolola Pedro, Head of the Gender Department at Take It Back Movement, in a statement, there are troubling allegations that both the police prosecutor and the Ekiti Ministry of Justice are attempting to have the case against Dr. Olubiyi dismissed, casting doubt on their commitment to diligent prosecution.
The case in question, involving charges of assault, is currently before Hon. Magistrate Olanrewaju Owoleso at Magistrate Court 1. Despite the offence being manageable within police prosecutorial capabilities, concerns have been raised regarding the handling of the case.
"The nature of the offence does not preclude the police from prosecuting," Pedro stated. "However, despite possessing the original case file, the police have not shown due diligence. Only a duplicate file was forwarded to the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice for legal advice, while the original remains available for the police to proceed."
During the arraignment on June 20, 2024, all necessary parties—including the prosecution with the original case file, the defendant, and prosecution witnesses—were present.
Despite this readiness, Magistrate Owoleso chose not to arraign the defendant for a speedy trial. Instead, there were indications of an intent to dismiss the case, citing the Ministry of Justice's alleged failure to assume control despite constitutional provisions allowing such actions.
"This situation seriously questions the integrity of the judicial process in Ekiti State," commented Dr. Nike Olubiyi, who is both the complainant and victim in the case.
"The decision to potentially strike out a case where all parties are prepared for trial undermines public confidence in our justice system."
The Take It Back Movement and concerned citizens are now calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations.
They emphasised the critical need for transparency and accountability within both prosecutorial and judicial processes to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust.
"It is imperative that authorities swiftly address these concerns and ensure justice is served without any bias," Pedro emphasised.
Olaolu Olubiyi, Chief Medical Director of Ikere Specialist Hospital, faced intense public scrutiny on in September 2023, following allegations of physically assaulting his wife, Dr. Adenike Olubiyi, an Associate Professor at Ekiti State University.
The alleged incident occurred on September 14, 2023, at their residence in Ifaki-Ekiti, reportedly sparked by his wife's refusal to care for his pregnant mistress.
Graphic photos of Dr. Adenike's injuries, taken at the Accident and Emergency ward of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, went viral on social media, prompting widespread outrage and calls for justice from advocacy groups and netizens.
Also, in September 2023, the Ekiti State Government suspended Olubiyi as the Chief Medical Directo of State Specialist Hospital Ikere-Ekiti, for gross misconduct.
An official statement from the State Ministry of Health and Human Services said Olubiyi was suspended by the State Hospitals Management Board following “the seriousness of a case of gross misconduct reported against him which established the fact that he violated Ekiti Public Service Rules 030301(ii) and 030402(x)”.
The statement said the suspended CMD had been prohibited from carrying out his official duties pending further investigation in line with the provisions of the State Public Service Rules
It further directed him to hand over his duties as CMD of the State Specialist Hospital, Ikere to Dr Akinsipe Catherine Iyabo with immediate effect.