The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Kwara, Mr Ayoola Akande, has spoken up on the case of a doctor and nurse, who were allegedly assaulted while discharging their duties at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH).
Hamzat Abdulsalam and Victoria Adetunji, have been standing trial at the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, intimidation, assault, disturbance of public peace and obstruction of public servants.
In her ruling on the matter yesterday, Justice Amina Ishaq admitted both defendants to bail in the sum of N1million each, directing them to provide two reliable sureties each, while the matter was adjourned until July 30, for trial.
In her own reaction, the DPP reaffirmed Kwara Government’s commitment to prosecuting the matter assaulted doctor and nurse diligently and to a logical conclusion.
Akande said the prosecution team remained fully prepared to prove its case and ensure justice prevailed.
“As you are aware, they pleaded not guilty, so the onus is on us as prosecution to prove our case, which we are ready to do,” he said.
The DPP explained that the prosecution did not oppose the bail application because the defendants had already secured bail from a magistrate’s court and the alleged offences were bailable.
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“The defendants were granted bail because they were earlier taken to the magistrate’s court and it had granted them bail.
“Out of the magnanimity of the court, which we consented to, we are not opposing their bail,” he added.
Akande stated that the government’s interest lies in presenting credible evidence before the court rather than persecuting the defendants.
“We do not want to be seen as persecuting them. What we are interested in is proving our case through credible evidence, and we’re confident that justice will be done at the end of the day,” he said.
The DPP further noted that the continued prosecution of the case would serve as a deterrent to individuals who attack healthcare workers while performing their duties.
