TheNewsGuru

Tag: Witness

  • 41-year old man stoned to death for burning Quran

    41-year old man stoned to death for burning Quran

    A 41-year old man, Mushtaq Ahmed, has been stoned to death by an enraged mob for allegedly burning the Muslim holy book (Quran) inside a local mosque at the district of Khanewal in Punjab province, Pakistan.

    The custodian of the local mosque, Mian Mohammad Ramzan, said he saw the deceased burning the Quran on Saturday evening.

    Ramzan pointed out that he saw smoke inside the mosque, which is adjacent to his home, and rushed over to investigate.

    According to him, he found one Quran burned and saw a man attempting to burn another, saying “people were starting to arrive for evening prayers as I was shouting for the man to stop.”

    The ill-fated man has been mentally unstable for the last 15 years and according to his family often went missing from home for days begging and eating whatever he could find

    Police spokesman, Chaudhry Imran, explained that police rushed to the scene, where a man was found surrounded by an angry crowd.

    “Officer Mohammad Iqbal and two subordinates tried to take custody of the man but the group began throwing stones at them, seriously injuring Iqbal and slightly injuring the other two officers,” Imran said.

    Chief of Tulamba police station, Munawar Gujjar, said he rushed reinforcements to the mosque but they did not arrive before the mob had stoned to death the man and hung his body from a tree.

    A police team that reached the village before the stoning began took custody of a man but the mob snatched him away from them

    “The ill-fated man has been mentally unstable for the last 15 years and according to his family often went missing from home for days begging and eating whatever he could find. The body was handed over to the family,” Gujjar said.

    He said investigators were scanning available videos to try to identify the assailants, adding that the police had so far detained about 80 men living in the mosque’s surroundings but that about 300 suspects took part.

    Witnesses said a police team that reached the village before the stoning began took custody of a man but the mob snatched him away from them and beat the police as they tried to rescue him.

    The witnesses asserted that later, more officers and constables reached the scene and took custody of the body.

    Prime Minister, Imran Khan, expressed his anguish over the incident and said he was seeking a report from Punjab’s chief minister on the police handling of the case.

    “They failed in their duty. We have zero-tolerance for anyone taking the law into their own hands and mob lynching will be dealt with the full severity of the law,” Khan said in a tweet hours after the incident.

    The Prime Minister also asked the Punjab police chief for a report on the actions taken against perpetrators of the lynching.

    The killing comes months after the lynching of a Sri Lankan manager of a sporting goods factory in Sialkot in Punjab province on Dec. 3 who was accused by workers of blasphemy.

  • Evans’ trial: How I raised $420,000 ransom for husband’s release, witness tells court

    Evans’ trial: How I raised $420,000 ransom for husband’s release, witness tells court

    A businesswoman, Mrs Chimebere Ahamonu has narrated to an Ikeja Special Offences Court how she raised a ransom of $420,000 for the freedom of her husband.

    Chimebere’s spouse, Mr Sylvanus Ahamonu was allegedly kidnapped by sus[ected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike alias Evans and his gang on June 23, 2014 on Kara Road, off Osolo Way, Ajao Estate, Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that she gave her testimony online via the Zoom App on Friday during the continuation of the trial of Evans and a dismissed member of the Nigeria Army, Victor Aduba.

    The witness said that she had spoken to her husband in the morning of the day of the abduction, but did not sense anything amiss until evening when he was not answering his phone.

    “Then, I was not living in Lagos, I was in Onitsha. I started calling everyone we knew that I did not hear from him.

    “A week later a man called my line with a hidden number that my husband was kidnapped.

    “Another week later the same man called me and demanded $2million for his release. I shouted because I have never seen that kind of money before.

    “I started calling family and well wishers for help,” she said.

    Chimebere said another week later, the same man called her demanding for the ransom and she told him that she could only raise N5million.

    “He said that I was not serious and that if I do not come up with the $2million, I am not ready to see my husband alive. He said even if it is $100,000 I should bring it,” she said.

    The businesswoman said that she sold properties, sought donations from family and friends and managed to raise $200,000 which she sent to Lagos to her brother-in-law, Dominic to deliver the ransom.

    She said that she received a phone call a week later demanding for more money and warning her never to send Dominic to deliver any ransom because he had reported them to the police.

    Chimebere said that fearing for the safety of her spouse, she raised another tranche of $200,000 and came to Lagos to deliver the ransom herself alongside a relation who escorted to the drop-off site.

    “After dropping the $200,000, he called me again to demand for some more money.

    “I told him I have no more money that people were even calling me a scam because of the way I was appealing for funds.

    “I managed to raise $20,000 and it was after then that my husband was released.

    “He instructed that my husband must be taken immediately to hospital so that he would not die,” she said.

    While being cross-examined by Evans’ counsel, Mr Victor Opara (SAN), Chimebere narrated the circumstances surrounding the delivery of the second tranche of $200,000 ransom.

    She said she was unfamiliar with Lagos and had to be accompanied by a relation named Onyebuchi to drop off the ransom under the cover of darkness.

    “I was communicating with the person on the phone throughout the process. I recognised the voice. It was the same voice that had been calling me,” she said.

    Following her evidence, the prosecutor announced that the state will be closing its case against Evans and Aduba.

    NAN reports that the two defendants are facing a four-count charge of kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

    Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adjourned the case until Feb. 4, 2022 for the defence to open its case.

  • How we helped to arrest alleged murderers of FIRMAN CEO – witnesses

    How we helped to arrest alleged murderers of FIRMAN CEO – witnesses

    An Abuja-based businessman, Mr Ikechukwu Efulu, on Monday narrated to a Lagos High Court how a defendant – Daniel Ibeachi – allegedly almost killed him while pretending to buy his property worth N150 million.

    Efulu testified as the fourth prosecution witness in the trial of three persons charged with the murder of Chief Executive Officer of FIRMAN Generator Company, Mr Ignatius Odunukwe.

    The defendants are Daniel Ibeaji, Uzor Arinze and Cletus Solomon.

    They are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and murder.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos State Government had on Aug. 28, preferred the charge against the defendants.

    The state accused the defendants of killing Odunukwe while pretending to buy a property from him.

    On Monday, Mr Olayemi Shofolu appeared for prosecution, Mr C. J. Jiakponna represented the first and second defendants, while Mr A.O. Ogusanya represented the third defendant.

    Testifying, Efulu said he met Ibeaji sometime in 2016 through an estate agent who introduced him as his client.

    The witness said that the first time he met the defendant, he came with his wife, daughter and son.

    He said that they discussed and agreed on the price for the property which was N150 million.

    According to him, the property is located in Abuja.

    Efulu said that the defendant mounted pressure on him to accept payment in dollars but he refused and insisted on a bank-to-bank transaction.

    He said that the defendant came up with some business ideas while they were discussing, and promised to introduce him to some businesses.

    The witness added that the defendant told him that he would sell the dollars and make payment in his brother’s bank account.

    He said that the day the defendant was to pay for the property, he defendant) asked him to come to his house so they would go to the bank.

    The witness said he went to the defendant’s house and nearly lost his life.

    He narrated how he was allegedly handcuffed and his legs chained by the defendant and two other men facing trial in another case in Abuja.

    Efulu narrated how the defendant allegedly told him to bring N500 million before he would allow him to go.

    The witness said that he was rescued by some automobile mechanics behind the defendant’s house, who called the police after he raised an alarm.

    He also narrated how the key to the handcuff and leg chain, which the defendant allegedly used in locking him in his house, helped to resolve a murder case involving a politician said to be killed by the same defendant while pretending to buy a property from the politician.

    Earlier, Mr Friday Clement, a security guard and a friend of the deceased, gave evidence as the third prosecution witness.

    Clement told the court that he volunteered and accompanied the police to Abuja, where the third defendant (Solomon) was traced and arrested.

    He said that Solomon was already in police detention at Area 10 for another alleged offence when he was arrested.

    The witness said that immediately Solomon saw that the policemen who came for him where from Zone 2 Command, he started shouting: “I will confess, I will confess.”

    According to Clement, arrangements were made and Solomon was flown to Lagos.

    The witness said that while inside the plane, he asked Solomon if he would remember where they dumped Odunukwe’s body and Solomon said, “Yes.”

    Clement said that when they landed in Lagos, the police took Solomon for further investigations.

    The witness was cross-examined by the defendant’s counsel, Jiakponna, who asked him how long he had worked as a security guard.

    Clement said he had worked for 20 years.

    According to him, when he arrests a suspect, he hands the suspect over the police.

    He testified that he did not make any statement at a police station because he only represented the family of the deceased by accompaning the police to Abuja.

    He also said that he didn’t know which of the defendants was arrested first.

    Justice Yetunde Adesanya adjourned the case until Feb. 23 for continuation of trial.

  • Sexual assault’: Witness afraid to testify against Baba Ijesha in court

    Sexual assault’: Witness afraid to testify against Baba Ijesha in court

    The prosecution team of the Lagos government says one of the witnesses set to testify against Baba Ijesha, the embattled Yoruba actor, is afraid to do so.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Baba Ijesha has been in a legal tussle since he was accused of assaulting a 14-year-old minor when she was 7.

    The actor is facing a six-count charge bordering on the indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration, and sexual assault by penetration.

    At the last court sitting for the actor’s trial, a fresh child defilement allegation was brought against him by another alleged victim.

    Parties to the case appeared before an Ikeja special offences court on Friday.

    Yusuf Sule, state counsel, told the court that one of the witnesses was scared to testify against Baba Ijesha.

    Sule was explaining the absence of two witnesses slated to testify against the actor in his ongoing trial for sexual assault.

    “My lord, the first witness is a police officer, he could not come to court today because he has been transferred and needs to get permission from where he was posted,” Sule said.

    “The second witness could not come to court; he is jittery, he is scared to come to court. My lord, we will ensure that all the witnesses are in court by next week Friday.”

    Oluwatoyin Taiwo, the judge, adjourned the case until November 19 for the continuation of the trial.

     

  • How we caught fake EFCC officials – Witness

    How we caught fake EFCC officials – Witness

    An Assistant Chief Registrar of the Ikeja High Court, Mr Ademola Adekehin, on Tuesday narrated how he allegedly caught two men – Chijioke Ugwu and Ibrahim Adekunle, impersonating officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The duo is also accused of falsifying a court order to illegally obtain a property.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adekehin testified before an Ikeja Special High Court.

    He is the first prosecution witness in the criminal trial of the defendants.

    Ugwu and Adekunle are facing a four-count charge bordering on attempt to obtain property by false pretences, possession of document containing false pretences and impersonating public officers.

    The suit was filed by the EFCC.

    Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, Adekehin said that a copy of the alleged forged court order was sent to him to confirm if it was sent from the court.

    “I came across the names of the defendants in a letter addressed to the Chief Register dated 14th May 2021 from the EFCC.

    “We checked our records and did not find the document and it did not come from court. On the face of the document, the heading is wrong.

    “The suit number is that of the Federal High Court, and the name of the commissioner of oath is unknown.

    “Fifth May 2021 fell on the date we were on strike. The cashier stamp is not the current stamp.

    “There is no seal on the document; also, there is no court in Mushin which was the court on the face of the letter,” he testified.

    Earlier the during the arraignment of the duo, the EFCC counsel, said the defendants committed the alleged offences on May 12 in Lagos.

    “The defendants falsely represented themselves as officers of the EFCC and assumed to do the official act of the commission in a property known as G2, Flat 14, New Horizon Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

    “Under false pretences and with intent to defraud, the defendants attempted to obtain property from one Mr Oriyomi Johnson.

    “They falsely presented that the Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos State Judiciary, Mushin, Lagos, issued an order.

    “The order was purportedly to the effect that the property located at new Horizon Estate, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos, be seized and the said apartment sealed pending the arrival of the said Johnson which representation they knew to be false,” she said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the alleged offences contravene Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006 and Sections 78 and 79 (1)(b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

    Defence counsel, Mr Tosin Shoiga, via a bail application dated Sept. 30, asked the court to grant the defendants bail in liberal terms.

    His application was not opposed by prosecution.

    Justice Abike Fadipe, however, granted only Ugwu (first defendant) bail.

    The judge held that due to improper documentation, Adekunle’s bail application would be heard on the next adjourned date.

    Fadipe granted Ugwu bail in the sum of one million naira with two sureties in like sum.

    The judge adjourned the case until Oct. 15 for cross-examination of witness.

  • #EndSARS: New twist as witness plays video that claims Army shot protesters at Lekki Toll Gate

    #EndSARS: New twist as witness plays video that claims Army shot protesters at Lekki Toll Gate

    The Lagos State judicial panel on restitution for victims of SARS related abuses resumed sitting on Saturday with the continuation of the testimony of an EndSARs co-ordinator, Serah Ibrahim.

    Serah came along with several videos, some of which she said she shot personally with her iPhone.

    One after the other, she played the videos which according to her demonstrates that soldiers shot at peaceful protesters on the night of October 20.

    As she played the videos, she explained to the panel that soldiers shot at the harmless protesters and even took away some of the dead bodies.

    She specifically mentioned that one of the active protesters, Lekan Sanusi was thought to be dead and the soldiers took away his body.

    She later found out that he was taken to MRS Hospital at Bonny camp where an unidentified nurse helped him to escape.

    Serah also played videos of some persons who suffered gunshot wounds from bullets allegedly shot by the military with protesters surrounding them and trying to tend to their wounds.

    When asked if she could authenticate the videos as to the time they were taken and the location, she mentioned that anyone could do this using Google Drive and she proceeded to demonstrate how it could be done.

    The videos of two mothers who claimed to have lost their children at the protest ground were also played.

    The videos were contained in the flash drive Serah Ibrahim tendered at the last sitting of the panel.

    Serah is expected to continue her testimony on May 15.

    Serah’s testimony is the latest development in the controversy that has trailed the events at the Lekki toll gate on the night of October 20.

    The army has repeatedly denied that it fatally shot at protesters and the Federal Government has said reports of a massacre at the toll gate was fake news.

  • Witness explains how ex-Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani hurriedly returned $25,000 to ‘victim’

    Witness explains how ex-Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani hurriedly returned $25,000 to ‘victim’

    The trial of Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, continued yesterday before Justice I.E Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja with the tenth prosecution witness, (PW10) Bako Aliyu, providing more details on how Sani allegedly extorted Alhaji Sani Dauda, the Chairman, ASD Motors.

    Yesterday’s trial was initially slated to review the audio evidence which captured Senator Sani’s voice, allegedly extorting $25,000USD (Twenty-five Thousand United Stated Dollars) from Dauda.

    However, due to a systems glitch, the interpreted English version of the conversation could not be played, prompting the judge to ask PW10 Bako Aliyu, an investigator with the EFCC, to continue giving evidence on his involvement on the case.

    Aliyu, in his evidence, recalled his previous testimony of how the defendant took advantage of Alhaji Duada, following the issues he had with the Nigeria Police, to extort him of $25,000USD, claiming he was going to offer the money as a bribe to the Chief Justice of the Federation, then EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu and some operatives of the Commission.

    He said the Chief Justice and the former EFCC Chairman denied receiving any bribe from Sani, with the Chief Justice publishing his denial in two National dailies.

    “There was evidence of a request of money from the defendant, asking the complainant for money to bribe the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Magu, and some EFCC staff,“ he said.

    Upon learning that the matter was before the Commission, the witness said the defendant hurriedly returned the money to the complainant, begging him to change the statement he had volunteered to the EFCC.

    Aliyu also faulted Sani’s claim that the $25,000USD he gave ASD was part payment for the purchase of a brand new Peugeot 508 saloon car.

    “My lord, our investigation shows ASD does not transact any business in Dollars. Moreover, the managing director of ASD motors is the one responsible for sales of vehicles, not the Chairman, “he said.

    Justice Ekwo thereafter adjourned the matter to March 16, 2021, for the continuation of trial and cross-examination of PW10.

    Sani is facing prosecution by the EFCC on two counts of criminal charges, bordering on name-dropping, influence-peddling, and obtaining the sum of $25,000 USD (Twenty-five Thousand United States Dollars) under false pretense.

    He allegedly obtained the said sum on the pretext that he would use it to bribe the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, to shield the complainant from EFCC’s investigation and prosecution.

  • Jenniffer Lynn Akadakpo – A True Witness And A Nigerian, By Ibeh Aso

    Jenniffer Lynn Akadakpo – A True Witness And A Nigerian, By Ibeh Aso

    By Ibeh Aso

    At 12:31 am August 4, 2019, my phone rang from an unexpected caller at that hour. I picked up my phone to see who was calling and was surprised and worried my friend and brother Wilcox Akadakpo was the caller. The sight of his name on my phone triggered many thoughts on my mind. Rightly so, because our communication is limited to WhatsApp messages and phone calls are usually within working hours. What could have happened I asked myself? Something terrible must have happened I concluded but I remained optimistic, courageous, and positive. Sadly, it turned out our wife, sister and friend Jennifer Akadakpo had slept peacefully in death two hours ago in faraway Indian Land, South Carolina, USA.

    My first meeting with Jennifer was in 2010 when for the first time I visited the USA at the instance of her husband Wilcox Akadakpo. Wilcox and I have come a long way, growing up together in one of the most popular and populous city in Lagos, Ajegunle. Our relationship has continued with mutual respect even after Wilcox relocated to the States. I remember with nostalgia receiving his first letter soon after he relocated to Daytona Beach, Florida with a postcard in it. Proudly, I am certain I was one of the very few he wrote at that time. Now, many years have passed I was travelling to the States to be with my friend and wife Jennifer Akadakpo. I was worried about my friend’s wife. What’s her personality and character? What will be the reception, meeting her for the first time?

    I arrived Waynesboro, Pennsylvania October 2010 in their warm embrace and well-prepared dish by Jennifer. Jennifer’s smile, hospitality and love were unhypocritical. She was an epitome of kindness and this endeared her to all who came in contact with her. During the week, she masterminded what will prove to be the high point of my vacation, the visit to the three Branch offices of Jehovah’s witnesses in the United States of America at that time (Brooklyn, Patterson and wakhill). Jennifer was so proud of her husband Nigerian heritage and will ask me so many questions about our growing up in Ajegunle, Nigeria. No one will believe we were just meeting for the first time because of our interactions.

    Following that memorable visit, my relationship with my friend and his wife Jennifer grew even stronger. Jennifer, my wife Olabisi and my children bonded so well with many visits to their home in the States. Her mother inlaw Lina Akadakpo was very fond of her, their cordial relationship can’t be described. Wilcox sometimes felt Jealous watching them discussing, most times it’s a plan against Wilcox. Jennifer was a bridge builder. Although Wilcox mum and father were separated, Jennifer will not take side. Remarkably, she will ensure her father-in-law who couldn’t visit the State gets gifts from her through me. I can’t tell you the feelings those gifts evoke in the father-in-law when I deliver them.

    Jennifer’s love for Nigerian food will cause you to salivate. At the slightest opportunity of our visiting, she is so happy that her freezers will be replenished with Nigerian soups and stews, especially for her husband. During my last visit to their South Carolina home in March 2019 at the critical point of her sickness, Jennifer will not resist the taste of my soup. Perhaps, she knew that would be her last taste of Nigerian soup. That night before my departure to Georgia, Atlanta she thanked me so much for visiting and especially for bringing along food ingredients and cooking for Wilcox. She told me how she wished her health had allowed her visit Nigeria again. Unknown to me that would be the last time we would share good times together until paradise. I was glad I made it.

    Jennifer was born on November 8, 1977, in Daytona Beach, Florida to Judy and Leron Howard. On June 3, 1995, same day she graduated from High School, she got baptised as one of Jehovah’s witnesses. After her baptism and as her love for Jehovah grew, she set spiritual goals for herself. She reached one of those goals on June 1, 1999, when she became a full-time minister and spent many hours helping her neighbours to learn of the Bible’s promises of a future paradise in a world without pain, sickness, or death(Revelation 21:3,4).

    She met Wilcox Akadakpo from Ededebiri Village, Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria who also shared same goals she had. They got married on January 20, 2001, and she continued her full-time service until November 2017 when her circumstances changed, and her health was declining. Sadly, on August 3, 2019, Jennifer Lynn Akadakpo peacefully slept in death after years of battle with Cancer. Jennifer lived a life of self-sacrifice, spending time in Daytona Beach, Florida, Germantown Maryland, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Severn Maryland, India Land, South Carolina helping some to develop and rekindle their love for Jehovah.

    Jennifer Lynn Akadakpo was a true Witness and a Nigerian.

    Ibeh Aso

    Lagos, Nigeria

  • I did not give Shehu Sani bribe, witness tells court

    I did not give Shehu Sani bribe, witness tells court

    Alhaji Sani Dauda, a prosecution witness, on Tuesday, denied giving Sen. Shehu Sani bribe.
    Dauda made this known in a Federal High Court,Abuja, while being cross-examined in the ongoing trial of Sani over alleged bribery and advanced fee fraud,
    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) slammed a two-count charge on Sani bordering on name-dropping, influence-peddling and obtaining the sum of 25,000 dollars from Dauda under false pretence.
    Dauda, answering questions from the defence counsel, Mr Abdul Ibrahim, SAN, through an interpreter, told the court that he knew that bribery was a crime in Nigeria.
    When Ibrahim asked the witness if he gave Sani bribe to give anyone, the witness said that “Sani didn’t tell me that it was for bribe”.
    The witness also told the court that the EFCC pressured him into handing over the $25,000 Sani returned to them to serve as exhibit.
    The witness told the court that after he reported the matter to the EFCC, Sani returned the amount of 25,000 dollars to him.
    He added that nobody saw when he gave Sani the money just as no one was with him when Sani returned the money.
    According to the witness, the EFCC asked me to hand over the money to them but I told them that I will not because it is my money.
    “They insisted but I told them no but they pressured me saying that it is to be used as exhibit.”
    When asked by Ibrahim if the 25,000 dollars was recovered by the EFCC, Dauda told the court that Sani brought the money to his house.
    Earlier, led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Mr Abba Mohammed, Dauda told the court that Sani had received $10,000 from him to give to the Mr Ibrahim Magu, Ag. Chairman of EFCC.
    “So the total money I gave him (Sani) is 25,000 dollars and since the day he collected the money I have not seen him. I have been calling him and I couldn’t get him.
    ” I sent him a text three times and he didn’t answer me so I called one of my friends, Murtalla and we went to see the Chief Judge of Nigeria (CJN).
    “The CJN said that he didn’t know anything about the matter and that he doesn’t know Shehu Sani.”
    Testifying further, the witness told the court that he ran into Magu aboard a flight from Dubai and while discussing, the EFCC boss denied any knowledge of the issue.
    He formerly petitioned the anti-graft agency and was asked to record any conversation he had with Sani from then on, which he did.
    The witness, told the court on Monday, that the former senator asked him to give N1 million each to four judges to ”help” his case just as he asked him to give N1 million to an EFCC prosecutor to help his brother-in-law.
    Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter until July 8 for continuation of trial.
  • Absence of witnesses stall hearing of Offa robbery suspects

    Absence of witnesses stall hearing of Offa robbery suspects

    Hearing of April 5th, 2018 Offa, Offa local government area of Kwara state, robbery suspects could not continue on Tuesday as a result of absence of prosecution witnesses.

    All the accused persons; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran were present in court.

    Prosecution counsel, Bola Gold told the court that police officers who are the prosecution witnesses in the matter were on national assignment for the last Saturday rerun elections in some parts of the country and had not returned to their base.

    As a result, Mr. Gold prayed the court for an adjournment, which the defence counsel, Mathias Emeribe, did not oppose.

    Gold said “our witnesses who are police officers participated in the last Saturday exercise. So they are unavoidably absent. I am sorry my Lord we will pick another date.

    “I have discussed with the defence counsel and we agreed on a day for adjournment.”

    In granting the adjournment, the trial judge Haleema Salman, warned both the defence and prosecuting counsels against unnecessary delay in the hearing of matter.

    She expressed dissatisfaction that no appreciable progress had been made in the hearing of the case since 2018 when it started due to request for adjournments by the counsels.

    She said that “this is almost two into the case, we are yet to make any appreciable progress. The case has been unnecessarily delayed due to adjournment.”

    The judge said that both counsels should be prepared to end the trial within trial in the next adjourned date so that hearing proper in the suit could commence same day.

    She subsequently adjourned the case to February 10, 2020 for continuation of hearing and trial within trial.