There was mild drama on Tuesday at the Akungba-Akoko Division of the Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State as a suspect, Mr Segun Orungbeja, openly challenged the magistrate during his arraignment over an alleged threat to kill a man with a cutlass.
Mr Orungbeja, who was brought before the court by the police, stunned the courtroom when Magistrate K. A. Kolawole asked what led to his arrest.
Visibly angry, the suspect fired back, “If you want to sentence me, you can go ahead; my God is watching you.”
The outburst briefly disrupted proceedings before order was restored.
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Police prosecutor in the case, Inspector Ola Boboye, told the court that Orungbeja allegedly threatened to kill one Abiodun Akintunde with a cutlass.
He accused the suspect of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace by persistently demanding money from the complainant, who reportedly owed him nothing.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 86 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
Defence counsel, Eniayewu B. J., pleaded for leniency and bail, urging the court to temper justice with mercy and assuring that his client would not abscond.
In his ruling, Mr Kolawole granted the suspect bail but ordered that he be remanded pending the perfection of the bail conditions.
The case was adjourned until February 4, 2026.