Courts / Dublin / Report
Father-of-four cleared of baseball bat murder
Summary
During a two‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court, 39‑year‑old Jooda Akanbi was acquitted of murder after a fight with 45‑year‑old Taiwo Jamani on Main Street, Swords, on 10 October 2013. Akanbi claimed he acted in self‑defence, striking Jamani with a baseball bat after the latter allegedly punched him. Witnesses described the altercation as "like something out of Star Wars". Jamani died in hospital from a severe traumatic brain injury caused by a blunt force blow to the head. No CCTV footage captured the incident. The prosecution sought a murder verdict, arguing Akanbi intended to kill or seriously injure Jamani, while the State denied self‑defence. The jury, after more than seven hours of deliberation, returned a verdict of not guilty, and Akanbi was discharged. No family members of the deceased were present at the verdict.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Father-of-four cleared of baseball bat murder. Charges or matters: murdering 45-year-old Taiwo Jamani on November 13th, 2013, the date of his death in hospital due to a severe, traumatic brain injury; murdering his fellow Nigerian. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- October 10th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 13th, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-04-27 Publication
Why: Mr Justice Tony Hunt explained that a verdict of manslaughter was open to them on two possible bases, including either that the accused had lacked the necessary mental intention or that he had used excessive self defence. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering 45-year-old Taiwo Jamani on November 13th, 2013, the date of his death in hospital due to a severe, traumatic brain injury; murdering his fellow Nigerian (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Main Street
- Ashton Avenue
- Swords
- Swords Main Street
Topics
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