Judge stops Chief Registrar from transferring criminal case

An Akure High Court has barred the Chief Registrar of the Ondo State Judiciary, Mr Anthony Akinrinsola from transferring a criminal case pending before a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Akure to Ondo judicial division.

The Court presided over by Justice Aderemi Adegoroye, in dismissing the appeal filed by Bimbo Akinsehinwa, Aderonke Gbadamosi, Akinsira Usijola, Kofoworola James and Ganiyat Itunu directed the Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Akure to continue with the trail of the accused persons.

The appellants had sought for the transfer of their case which was being tried in Akure Magisterial district to Ondo for adjudication. The court, however, dismissed their request.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the trial court, the accused persons through their counsel appealed against the decision of the trial court.

However, the Chief Registrar of the Court transferred the case from Akure to Ondo judicial division during the pendency of appeal.

In a memo with Registration number CRC/0377/Vol11/ signed by Biodun Akande on behalf of the Chief Registrar said the Chief Judge has granted the transfer of the charge/suit from Akure to Ondo Magisterial district.

But a lawyer and Notary Public, Mr Remigius Akinbinu accused the Chief Registrar of allegedly transferring the case despite the pendency of appeal on the issue.

The lawyer accused the Chief Registrar of trying to subvert the course of justice in the trial of one Akinsehinwa who was accused of obtaining money under false pretence among others.