Tina Amanda
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed a date for Judgement on the murder case of Ifeanyi Dike, who murdered 8 years old Chikamso Victory Mezube and her body mutilated in Eliozu area in Obio Akpor local government area of the state.
Justice Adolphus Enebeli fixed date for the judgement after parties in the matter adopted their final written addresses.
Lezina Amegwa Counsel to the 1st Defendant, Ifeanyi Dike, in his final written address accepted that Ifeanyi Dike actually committed the murder, but raised a Defence of insanity, praying the court that the 1st Defendant committed the crime on the grounds of mental imbalance.
He also urged the court to temper justice with mercy, and consider the position of mental capacity on Ifeanyi Dike, while praying that the 1st Defendant should not face the maximum penalty.
Chikwele Bekwe, Counsel to Sergeant Johnbosco, the 3rd Defendant, in his final argument urged the court to enter not guilty for Sergeant Johnbosco.
State Prosecution Counsel, Chidi Ekeh, in his address, urged the court to discountenance the defence of insanity and not guilty submissions that have been raised by the Defendant Counsels, praying the court to sentence them accordingly with maximum punishment as they are guilty of the crime they are being accused of.
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The Prosecution argued that the law presumes every man sane until the contrary is proven. He argued further that the 1st Defendant barked like a dog only once on the day he was taking his plea, adding that since then he hasn’t displayed such mental disability in court.
He said that the 1st Defendant did not back up the insanity raised with pieces of evidence as required by law.
Justice Adolphus Enebeli, after listening to addresses of Counsels, adjourned to 30th April for judgement.
Speaking to our correspondent, Tina Amanda, Chidi Ekeh, the State Prosecution Counsel, said the 1st Defendant did not prove their defence on insanity with evidence, stressing that the Prosecution is waiting for justice to be served in their favour.
Also, Lezina Amegwa, Counsel to Ifeanyi Dike, the 1st Defendant, said their primary interest is to see that justice is done, adding that they are ready to take the decision of the court.
On his part, Chikwele Bekwe, Counsel to Sergeant Johnbosco, the 3rd Defendant, said they are hopeful that the 3rd Defendant will be discharged and acquitted.
