Drama ensued inside an Osun State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo, Nigeria on Tuesday when an accused arraigned for assault suddenly coughed while his charge was being read amid coronavirus pandemic.
The occurrence led to a little interruption in the proceedings, as three lawyers that sat in front of the accused hurriedly moved away from their chairs.
Despite the drama, Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara told the accused that his cough would not stop the session.
Ige was arraigned alongside Rasaq Sunday, Wasiu Adeyanju and Samson Ogunleye.
They were said to have on April 6, 2020, on Olugun Street, Osogbo, conspired to commit assault occasioning harm – an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of criminal code cap 34 Vol. Il, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.
The accused were said to have used broken bottles, scissors, and cutlass to inflict injury on the left hand of one Lateef Kareem.
The accused, who had no legal representation, pleaded not guilty to the two counts of assault pressed against them.
The magistrate, Ayilara, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N200, 000 with one surety each.
He then adjourned the matter till May 13 for mention.