Court Warns Against Delay In Trial Of IPOB Members Linked To Killing Of DSS Officer
The Federal High Court Abuja division has warned the defence counsel against delay in the trial of four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra who allegedly kidnapped and killed Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh, a staff of the Department of State Services.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the warning after two lawyers, Kelvin Ekwe and Geoffrey Owadiego, who appeared for the defendants, sought an application for adjournment.
The defendants are Michael Okafor, Chinedu Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa; and Chigozie Olisa.
They were arraigned before Justice Abdulmalik on Sept. 28 on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and kidnapping.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism and were involved in the abduction of Owoh, while he was travelling from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Awka in Anambra State.
They were further accused of taking the operative hostage and killing him.
The defendants were also accused of belonging to the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, as well as involvement in activities allegedly linked to terrorism.
They however, pleaded not guilty to the counts and the Judge adjourned for trial.
When the case was called, Munirat Oladunjoye, who represented the prosecution, informed the court that the matter was fixed for trial following the defendants’ denial of the allegations.
She told the court that the prosecution applied to shield the identity of their witnesses pursuant to section 232(3)(B) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
However, counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants, Kelvin Ekwe, disagreed with Oladunjoye ‘s oral application.
He argued that such application was uncalled for.
In a short ruling, the judge agreed with the DSS lawyer’s submission.
The Judge consequently adjourned the matter until oct. 28 at the instance of the two defence lawyers.
