On the 8th of December, 2022 .Michael Idudu, who was charged with the offence of Armed Robbery was released from prison following a successful Plea Bargain after spending five years in custody.
He was arrested in 2017 and charged with the offence of Armed Robbery and was neither produced before the court nor was any action taken with respect to his matter.
In December 2021, DNL Partners took up the case of the Defendant pro bono and ensured progress in the matter.
Upon taking up the representation of the Defendant, the team from DNL Partners conducted a search in the Registry of the Magistrate Court of Lagos State and found out that the matter was before the Magistrate Court 2, Ogba, Ikeja.
The team visited the court and was informed that the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) had advised that the matter be heard at the High Court of Lagos State.
Through several correspondences to the office of the Director of Prosecution, a supplementary Legal Advise was sent to the Magistrate Court for the matter to be heard at the Magistrate Court. Alongside the Supplementary Legal Advice was a Plea Bargain Agreement.
The Defendant and Prosecution executed the Plea Bargain Agreement wherein it was agreed that upon the guilty plea of the Defendant for the offence of Stealing, the Defendant shall be sentenced to 6years imprisonment instead of the prescribed punishment of Life imprisonment for the offence of Armed Robbery.
The Plea Bargain Agreement was adopted by the Prosecution led by Abiodun Muniru Esq. and the team from DNL Partners led by Bright Jumbo Esq. who represented the Defendant.
The team brought it to the attention of the court that the Defendant had completed his term in the correctional facility as prescribed in the Plea Bargain Agreement. Consequently, he should be released.
The Court adopted the Plea Bargain Agreement as its Judgment and sentenced the Defendant to six (6) years imprisonment accordingly. Consequently, the Defendant was released.