Judiciary
THE Defence Counsel in the Offa robbery incidence trial, Mr Martia Ebeebe, has prayed the Kwara High Court in Ilorin to order an autopsy of the principal suspect, Michael Adikwu, who was said to have died of malaria fever.
Eberebe said on Friday that the circumstance of Adikwu’s death was shrouded leading to the police suppressing facts that would help the court determine the fate of other suspects on trial.
Meanwhile, the 4th defendant, Salaudeen Azeez, had told the court while giving evidence that Adikwu was shot and killed by one Insp. Vincent.
The lead prosecuting counsel, Wahab Egbewole SAN, urged the court to discountenance the submission of the defence counsel as Adikwu’s statement of defence was not before the court.
He added that dragging the principal suspect into the matter was irrelevant.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five accused persons standing trial in connection with the robbery attack were Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salaudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran.
NAN reports that Azeez had earlier informed the court that the police tortured him to make false confession in the statement obtained from him.
“I was beaten with plank on the head by the police to make false confession against myself, when I declined, they tied my legs and my hands and threatened to kill me if I fail to cooperate.
“I told them that I am illiterate when the police brought paper and biro for me to write, so the police wrote that I am one of the suspects of Offa robbery attack and asked me to thumbprint.
“That was how I made the confessional statement under duress,” the suspect said.
Presiding Justice Haleemat Salman adjourned the case till til July 22, for the continuation of trial.
NAN recalls that the Offa robbery attack incident claimed the lives of 31 persons, including nine police officers on April 5, 2019. (NAN)
– Jul. 10, 2020 @ 15:55 GMT |
Tags: Offa Robbery: Defence counsel urges autopsy of principal suspect
