The trial of four dismissed officers facing prosecution for alleged torture of five Ikokwu mechanics which allegedly led to death of one, was stalled on Tuesday following the absence of defence counsel who would have continued with the cross-examination of second prosecution witness.
The counsel who was to cross-examine second prosecution witness Ifeanyi Osuji was absent when the case was called.
The defence team therefore apologized for the development.
The presiding judge, Honourable Justice Florence Fiberesima, therefore adjourned the case to 18 August for continuation of cross-examination.
In previous sitting she said that the court was doing its best to speed up the case but defence counsels were taking it for granted.
The four defendants Ayogu Fidelis, Eke Chibuzo, Egbunafu Felix and Sergeant Rose Georgewill were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged offence and arraigned.
They face five counts of murder and act with intent to maim and were arraigned by the State Police Command.
Later, the case was taken over by Rivers State government for prosecution of the dismissed officers.
The five Ikokwu mechanics were arrested in December 2019 for allegedly driving against traffic and had been taken to Mile One Police Station.
One of the mechanics Chima Ikwunado allegedly died in detention because of alleged police torture.
A defence counsel previously said in an interview that his client, the third defendant, was facing trumped-up charges and he was watching proceedings with intent to protect his interest.
While counsel for cross-examination was absent in court on Tuesday, the prosecuting counsel Chidi Ekeh as well as other counsels were present for the cross-examination which was later postponed.
The alleged torture of the mechanics generated outcry with social media users calling for the prosecution of the officers and justice for the victims.
The case which was first tried at Magistrate Court was later taken to the High Court for prosecution of the dismissed officers.
The mechanics were allegedly tortured by the dismissed officers as operatives of disbanded Eagle Crack team.
While giving evidence the second prosecution witness had told the court that they were tortured by the police.
Osuji who was one of the victims said that they were arrested for 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.
