Drama in Court as Labourer Accused of Threatening Boss Feigns Madness, Flees Naked

A dramatic scene played out at the Magistrates’ Court in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, when a 23-year-old labourer, Ayomide Daniel, accused of threatening to kill his employer, disrupted court proceedings by pretending to be mentally unstable.

Daniel, who was arraigned before Magistrate R.I. Adelakin on a charge of threatening the life of one Alexandral Udokwu, stunned the courtroom when he suddenly began behaving erratically. Refusing to speak or respond, he appeared disoriented and kept a blank stare. However, just as the court was about to read the charge against him, he erupted in loud, incoherent shouts, throwing the court into confusion.

In a shocking twist, the defendant turned his back on the court and bolted out of the courtroom. Once outside, he stripped himself naked and began to eat dried leaves and plastic nylons in front of stunned onlookers. Despite the presence of his mother and others at the premises, no one dared approach him.

According to police prosecutor Inspector Folashade Adeyemi, Daniel’s actions were a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice, as there was no medical evidence indicating he had any history of mental illness. The charge brought against him was based on a March 10 incident in which he allegedly threatened his boss and attacked him with a broken bottle, in violation of Section 86 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.

Magistrate Adelakin ordered Daniel’s remand at the Olokuta Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter till March 23 for proper arraignment. The defendant’s chaotic display continued for hours before court officials were finally able to restrain and remove him from the premises.