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.