Elozino’s Murder Lawsuit: Absence Of Defence Counsel Stalls Trial

The resumed trial of the suspected killers of Ms. Elozino Ogege, a 300 level Mass Communication student of the Delta State University Abraka was on Tuesday stalled following the absence of the defence counsel.

BIGPEN ONLINE understands that the counsel for the 4th defendant did not show up in court and gave no reason for his absence.

Recall that messer Macaulay Desmond Oghenemaro, Ojokojo Robinson Obajero, Nwosisi Benedict Uche and Enaike Onoriode who are the 1,2,3 and 4 defendants are standing trial for the alleged murder.

At the resumed hearing, the four defendants were reproduced by prison wardens but counsel for the 4th defendant was absent from court without any explanation.

However, the prosecuting counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe Esq, Director of Legal Drafting who led P. U. Akamagwuna Esq, M. Fole Esq and A.R. Adewuyi Esq were present in Court.

The counsel to the 1st and 2nd Defendants, S.C. Okehielem Esq and Olusegun Ajayi Esq for the 3rd Defendant were also present.

The prosecuting counsel informed the Court that the State was ready to proceed with it’s case as they had a witness who was available to give evidence. He however stated that the 4th defendant’s counsel, B O. Okoh Esq from the Legal Aid Council was absent from Court without explanation.

In the circumstances the trial could not proceed as the offences the defendants were facing included capital offences. He therefore applied that the matter be adjourned to ensure the 4th defendant was represented.

The learned trial Judge, Honourable Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge in her ruling ordered that hearing notice be served on the State Director of the Legal Aid Council to ensure legal representation for the 4th defendant on the next hearing date.

The case was subsequently adjourned to 25th June 2019 for further hearing.

Recall that the four defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to the 8 count charge proffered against them by the State for the alleged murder of Elozino Ogege. The prosecution has called a total of three witnesses since the trial commenced as the Court had ordered an accelerated hearing of the matter.