The trial of dismissed officers facing prosecution for allegedly torturing five Ikokwu mechanics and leading to death of one was stalled on Wednesday following the absence of prosecuting counsel and witnesses.
The matter which was for cross-examination could not proceed following the absence of the prosecuting counsel Chidi Ekeh and prosecution witnesses.
However, the defendants were in court as well as some counsels for defence.
The murder trial is before Honourable Justice Florence Fiberesima of Port-Harcourt High Court.
The dismissed officers Dayogu Fidelis, Eke Chibuzo, Egbunafu Felix and Sergeant Rose Georgewill face five counts of murder and act with intent to maim.
The trial was disrupted when state branch of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) went on strike demanding financial autonomy.
The mechanics were allegedly tortured by the dismissed officers as operatives of disbanded Eagle Crack Unit and had led to death of one of the mechanics.
One of the victims, Ifeanyi Onyekwere, had told the court they were tortured by operatives of the disbanded unit and had led to death of one of his colleagues, Chima Ikwunado, who allegedly died in cell.
Giving evidence as prosecution witness the victim said they were arrested by operatives of disbanded Eagle Crack unit saying the police shot sporadically to threaten them before the arrest.
He said the victim who died in detention and himself were brought out from cell on the second day of arrest and allegedly tortured from 5am to 6pm.
He told the court the victim became seriously ill and allegedly died.
He added that he also sustained injuries and tendered pictures as evidence.
On Wednesday, one of the defence counsels, Barrister Kingston Lucky Nwinee, said he would ensure justice was done in the case.
He also said his client was facing trumped-up charges.
A second prosecution witness had also told the court that they were being tortured.
The prosecution witness, Ifeanyi Osuji, told the court Ifeanyi Onyekwere and Chima Ikwunado had injuries and could not walk when they came back to cell.
He said that they were arrested while driving against traffic saying that the police had taken their money and phones after the arrest.
The five victims of alleged police brutality were Ifeanyi Onyekwere, Ifeanyi Osuji, Chima Ikwunado (who died in detention) and Osaze Friday and another victim.
As a result of the absence of the prosecuting counsel, the judge adjourned trial to 23 July and 12, 17 and 18 August for continuation of trial.
