Court acquits deputy speaker of contempt charge

An Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday struck out the contempt charge against the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Segun Adewumi.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the case was struck out following the prosecution’s application (nominal complainant) to withdraw the charge against Adewumi.

Consequently, Chief Magistrate Idowu Ayenimo discharged and acquitted the lawmaker.

“Following the withdrawal of the charge dated May 6, 2013 bothering on intentional disrespect to judicial proceedings and pursuant to Section 73 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, this case is hereby struck out.

“The accused is hereby discharged and acquitted,” he ruled.

Reacting to the acquittal, Adewumi lauded the stand of the court, saying truly judiciary is the last hope of the common man.”

NAN reports that Adewumi was arraigned on a charge of intentional disrespect to court proceedings on May 6, 2013.

He was alleged to have used his mobile phone to take a shot of the All Progressives Congress Chairman in Ekiti, Mr Jide Awe, while in the dock.

The prosecution was led by the Officer in charge of the Legal Department, State Police Command, Femi Falade, while the accused was represented by Mr Bunmi Olugbade, member of the State Judicial Service Commission.