Lawyer slumps, dies in court

Tragedy struck yesterday at the premises of Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, in Lagos Island, following the slumping and death of a lawyer, simply identified as Chidi, who was in court to represent his client.

The Guardian gathered that when Chidi got to the court with the defendant, the court had already heard his matter and adjourned till April 14. He was said to have apologised to the court and on behalf of his client for coming late, which he claimed to be due to heavy traffic.

It was also gathered that, while tendering his apology, he started gasping for breath, coughing profusely. He was then rushed outside the court to get air. Report said he pleaded that they should get him a taxi to take him home.

It was while they were trying to get the cab, that he couldn’t move any longer and his client had to carry him on his back to the down floor. And immediately he got into the cab, he stopped breathing and the taxi driver returned him to the court premises, declining to carry a corps to avoid police harassment.