Florence Uwaeme
All is not well with the suspected serial killer, Gracious David West in prison as fellow inmates reportedly attacked him upon his arrival in the prison yard on Tuesday.
West who pleaded guilty to the killing of nine girls before a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, was arraigned on a ten-count charge under the criminal code of Rivers State law 1999 section 319 sub-section 1 and section 321 CAP 37 volume 2.
He admitted to having unlawfully killed Nine ladies by names; Maureen, Jennifer Okocha, Blessing Effiong, Linda Wariba, Dorcas Francis, Rose Samuel, Patient Momoh, Antonia Ibe and attempted murder of Benita Etim.
During the court proceeding, Rivers State Government through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zacchaeus Adangor, filed an application to take over the prosecution of the matter from the Police OC Legal and Prosecution Counsel.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, after listening to arguments of the parties granted the application of the State Prosecution to take over the case as it is a high profile matter which warrants capital punishment.
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The Judge ruled for a plea of not guilty for the Defendant in order for him to undergo trials before the court while expressing readiness for a speedy hearing of the matter.
The Court ordered the defendant to be remanded in prison custody.
Sources told our correspondent that West was thoroughly beaten by other inmates in prison. They added that the suspected serial killer fell sick after being manhandled by inmates.
Theportcitynews learnt that the development forced prison officials to relocate West to a different cell but the occupants protested and expressed fear that they might also be killed same way the girls were killed.
A source said West has found it hard making friends in prison as inmates have developed the habit of avoiding making contacts with him.
He said West stares reflectively as other prisoners engage in their daily activities.
The Port Harcourt Prison did not respond to request by theportcitynews for comments on the allegation that West was being manhandled by fellow inmates.
Hearing on his murder trial will resume on November 18.
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