The murder trial into the murder of the Jummia delivery agent has suffered another setback due to the absence of the 5th witness from the prosecuting counsel.
The accused persons Sodienye Mbatumueke alias jelly and Rexcel Nabee alias Joker, are standing trial on a two-count charge of Murder and Armed robbery.
when the case was called, the state Prosecuting counsel from the Department of Public Prosecution, IBIKIRI OTORIBIO, informed the court that the 5th witness was not able to make it to the court and appealed for adjournment.
While opposing the adjournment, the defence counsel said the case has suffered a lot of setbacks due to several adjournments from the prosecuting counsel on account that witnesses are not forthcoming.
They further urged the court to fore-close witnesses from the prosecution or accelerated hearing should be given in the matter.
In his ruling, the Presiding Judge, Justice I. P Chigozie Igwe said the prosecuting counsels should endeavour to produce two to three witnesses a day, since the case is of public interest, noting that for the prosecution, security should not be a problem for witnesses.
Theportcitynews correspondent Precious Ahiakwo reports that the judge further adjourned the case to the 5th, 19th, 31st of October and 9th of November 2018.
Speaking outside the courtroom with journalists, counsel to the state, Director, Department of public prosecution, IBIKIRI OTORIBIO stated that witnesses are not to be forced to give evidence or else the matter will be turned upside.
Also speaking, KINGDOM CHUKWUEZE, Counsel to the 1st accused, said the case should be foreclosed, adding that the prosecuting counsels are not ready for the case
