Cynthia Osokogu – sentiments and reactions brew as case gets further adjournment

The late Cynthia Udoka Osokogu

The murder case of Cynthia Osokogu who was allegedly killed by Facebook friends seems to be taking a rather slow move as it was adjourned again creating varied sentiments and reactions from the defendants.

At the Yaba Magistrate Court,  the case which was earlier scheduled for November 5, 2012 for the hearing of the Director of Public Prosecutions letter of advice on the trial of the seven men accused of killing Osokogu was postponed again to November 27, 2012.

Although the duly signed letter was said to be available in court, the court refused to read it on the reason that it was not stamped. Moreover the presiding Magistrate of the court,  Olalekan Aka-Bashorun was absent on leave at the time of the hearing.

Lawyers who spoke to newsmen at the court premises expressed their dissatisfaction over the delay. They lamented that it was rather unconstitutional to hold the suspects in custody for over 90days without convictions or bail.

The defendant for the two pharmacists, Barrister Chris Obiaka pointed out that the continuous detention of the suspects would have gross physiological and emotional effect on them in the long run.

However Police prosecutor, Chukwu Agwu, in charge of the Legal Department of the State Criminal Investigation Department, said he had yet to see the letter.

“I have not seen the DPP’s advice. Maybe they used different couriers who would serve us at different dates. As soon as we are served, the authorities would look at it and check the reasons adduced for whatever advice is given,” he said.

Police arrested seven persons in connection to the case. While five of the suspects  Okwumo Nwabufo, Olisaeloka Ezike, Orji Osita (pharmacist), Chukwunonso Maduakor (pharmacist), and Gideon Okechukwu, are facing an eight count charge including rape, murder, robbery, and administering of obnoxious substance, two others Nonso Ezike  and Chinonso Ezeaka are being charged with a two-count charge of receiving and selling Cynthia’s BlackBerry phone.

The case will be up for hearing on November 27.