Ikokwu Four: Commencement Of Cross-Examination Of Second Prosecution Witness Stalled
The commencement of cross-examination of second prosecution witness Ifeanyi Osuji by counsel to third defendant was stalled on Friday following the absence of the prosecuting counsel in the trial of four dismissed officers.
Barrister Kingston Nwinee, counsel to third defendant, Egbunafu Felix, could not commence cross-examination of second prosecution witness following the absence of the prosecuting counsel.
The prosecuting counsel however asked for adjournment through a representative.
The case was therefore adjourned to 9 and 10 November for hearing.
The four dismissed officers involved in the case face five-count charge of alleged murder and act with intent to maim over the alleged murder and brutality of five Ikokwu mechanics leading to death of one.
The counsel for second defendant, E.G. Eke, who represents Eke Chibuzor, one of the dismissed officers, closed his cross-examination of second prosecution witness over a week ago.
The defence counsel had told the court they reviewed evidence given by the witness and believed they had done enough and would want to end the cross-examination so that other counsels would cross-examine the witness.
The matter was for the continuation of cross-examination of second prosecution witness before the High Court presided by Honourable Justice Florence Fiberesima.
The prosecuting counsel, Chidi Ekeh, said at the time it was OK that the counsel announced closure for the cross-examination but had expressed regret that counsel to third defendant was not in court to commence cross-examination of second prosecution witness.
As it stands the cross-examination will commence on the next adjourned date.
The four dismissed officers Ayogu Fidelis, Rose Georgewill, Eke Chibuzor and Egbunafu Felix face charges of alleged murder and brutality over five Ikokwu mechanics which led to death of one of the mechanics.
They were arrested in December 2019 for allegedly driving against traffic and were taken to Mile One Police Station.
The trial of the officers sparked outrage on social media as users called for justice for victims of the alleged brutality and murder.
The case which first came up before a state magistrate court was moved to High Court when it was taken over by the government.
The dismissed officers were first arraigned by Rivers State Police Command before the case was taken over by government.
The prosecuting counsel previously told reporters that it was the duty of government to prosecute crime saying at the time crimes were committed against the state and not against individuals.
In an earlier trial the judge had said the prosecution should make available to the defence all materials relied on for the case and one defence counsel had also said defendants had right to fair hearing.
