The trial of four suspects in the murder case of Cynthia Osokogu,
allegedly killed by friends she met on social network, Facebook was on
Wednesday stalled following objections raised by the counsel to the
defendants.
Okwumo Nwabufo, Ezike Olisaeloka, Orji Osita and Ezike Nonso had been slammed with a six-count charge of murder, stealing, possession of stolen property and conspiracy.
However, the case which was brought before the Lagos High Court, Ikeja could not proceed as lawyers to the defendants told the court that they had not been properly served with the processes of the matter.
The prosecution team led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos state, Mr Ade Ipaye admitted to the mix-up in serving the processes to one of the defence counsel but promised to immediately sort out the issue.
However, the Attorney General urged the court to grant a speedy trial as he reacted to the submission of the counsel to the second defendant, Mr Olukayode Dada who appealed that the trial be postponed and his client granted bail to enable him continue his education at the Anambra state university.
Dada also argued that the case has received so much publicity and the position already taken by the press will not guarantee fair hearing for his client as press reports and public opinion would prejudice his trial.
The presiding judge, Justice Olabisi Akinlade in her response, stated that murder is a serious offence and that the court is empowered to ensure ‘fair hearing in public within a reasonable time’.
Further hearing in the case has been fixed for 8th February, 2013.
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