Why We’re Challenging Al-Mustapha’s Release At S‘Court – Lagos

The Lagos State government has explained that it is challenging the acquittal of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and others accused of the murder of Mrs Kudirat Abiola at the Supreme Court to ensure that all issues were fully articulated and the victim’s family, the defendants and the society were not deprived of the last window of opportunity provided by the constitution for the resolution of the case.
The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye gave this explanation at a press conference in Lagos, yesterday, and added that the appeal against the two judgements delivered by the Appeal Court was filed at the apex court on Monday.
The Appeal Court had last month upturned the judgement of the High Court of Lagos which passed death sentence on Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan.

“The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has filed appeal papers against the judgments delivered by the Court of Appeal in the cases of Lateef Shofolahan vs The State and Al-Mustapha vs The State,” he said.
Ipaye said that the government had studied the two judgements delivered by the Appeal Court very closely and concluded that there were grounds for appeal. “Having fully reviewed the decisions of the respected Justices of the Court of Appeal, it is our humble view there are strong bases for appeal which the Supreme Court of Nigeria should have an opportunity to consider,” Ipaye stated.
He stressed that government was committed to ensuring that law abiding residents and visitors continued to live, work and pursue their various aspirations in a safe and secure environment.
The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, had in a unanimous decision on July 12 said the appeals of Al-Mustapha and Sofolahan succeeded and subsequently acquitted and discharged them.