Slain banker’s husband a role model in prison — Witness

Mr. Arowolo allegedly murdered his wife in their Lagos home.

A defence witness, Efe Omordia, on Tuesday claimed that Akolade Arowolo, who is standing trial over the alleged murder of his banker wife, Titilayo, was a role model in prison.

Ms. Omordia made the claim before Justice Lateefat Okunnu of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, at Mr. Arowolo’s resumed trial.

The defendant was charged to court over an allegation that he stabbed his wife to death on June 24, 2011, at their No. 8, Akindeinde St., Isolo, Lagos residence.

Following his arraignment, the defendant was remanded in Ikoyi prisons.

Ms. Omordia, 37, said that she worked with Joy Bringers International, a non-governmental organization, NGO, involved in the counselling and rehabilitation of inmates.

The witness, who claimed to have worked as an investigative journalist with the National Mirror and Leadership Newspapers in the past, said that she met Mr. Arowolo in March, 2012, during a visit to Ikoyi prisons.

“The defendant was one of the pioneer students of our character training school and counselling project, organised by my NGO.

“My colleague and I paid close attention to him; we noticed that he was one of the students who displayed exemplary character so much so that we made him one of the class secretaries,” she said.

The witness said that Mr. Arowolo was retained as a class assistant after graduation because he was consistent, dedicated and responsible.

Ms. Omordia said the defendant had shown exemplary leadership qualities in the prison environment and was a member of the prison’s recreation, reformation and rehabilitation club.

She added: “I read about Arowolo from stories published on pages of the newspapers and on social media.

“He was portrayed as somebody who is irresponsible lazy, wicked; and I was one of those who wished that he would burn in the hottest part of hell.

“But based on my experience as a trained investigative journalist, personal observation and one-on-one interaction, Mr. Arowolo, who I met at the Ikoyi Prisons, has shown wonderful, exemplary and responsible characteristics.”

However, the prosecutor, Femi Adamson, while cross-examining the witness, said the witness has no formal psychiatric and psychological training to testify about Mr. Arowolo’s character.

Mr. Adamson said that the witness was not present at the crime scene and could, therefore, not exonerate the defendant. The matter was adjourned to March 27 for continuation of trial.

NAN