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Ikokwu Four: Trial Continues As Second Witness Is Cross-Examined By Defence

The second prosecution witness called in the trial of dismissed officers over alleged murder and torture of Ikokwu mechanics was cross-examined by the defence penultimate Monday.

Ifeanyi Osuji was cross-examined by the defence and earlier gave evidence over alleged murder of an Ikokwu mechanic and torture of four others.

Chima Ikwunado, one of the mechanics, allegedly died in detention and sparked calls for justice for four other mechanics.

The second prosecution witness however fumbled in answering questions  on what transpired from the arrest to detention and alleged torture.

The witness failed to answer questions clearly making the judge to interrupt from time to time and ascertain if witness understood a question or if the defence should simplify the question.

The prosecuting counsel, Chidi Ekeh told the court in a previous hearing that the witness was not much educated and had asked for understanding from the court and the defence.

The cross-examination was bored down as there was back and forth because the witness could not answer questions intelligently and suggested he could have done better if they were translated.

The four defendants face five counts of alleged murder with intent to maim. They face allegation of being responsible for the death of one of the mechanics and alleged torture of others.

The four officers Ayogu Fidelis, Eke Chibuzor, Egbunafu Felix and Sergeant Rose Gergewill were of the Eagle Crack Team which carried out the arrest, and were dismissed from Nigeria Police Force as they faced trial.

The four Ikokwu mechanics Ifeanyi Onyekwere, Osaze Friday, Victor Ogbonna, Ifeanyi Osuji as well as the late mechanic were arrested in Decemcer 2019 for allegedly driving against traffic.

They were detained and prosecuted on charges of cultism and jailed but later released.

A group recently demanded the prosecution of the leader of the Eagle Crack team, which was disbanded by the new Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Eboka Friday.

The Rivers Civil Society Organizations (RIVCSO) demanded that Supol Benson Adetuyi and one other officer, Inspector Sam Amadi, be investigated and prosecuted for alleged roles they played in the death of Ikwunado and torture of four other mechanics.

Chairman of the group, Comrade Enefaa Georgewill, said that they would also not withdraw the ongoing trial of the four officers and told newsmen they had directed their lawyer to get an order compelling Police Service Commission and Inspector-General of Police to investigate and prosecute them.

The case between the state government and the defendants is before the High Court presided by Justice Florence Fiberesima.

 

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