Delta: Terrorism trial stalled over prosecution’s failure to serve defendants

The trial of five defendants, including Francis Okolie, the national advisor of Ogwashi Uku development association, was stalled at the Federal High Court in Asaba due to the prosecution’s failure to serve the defendants with the re-amended charge.

The case was in November last year adjourned to February 11 and 12, 2025, for a hearing.

Prosecution Counsel Orji Kalu Esq, however, told the court on Tuesday that the charge against the defendants had been re-amended to include the 5th defendant and Iyase of Ogwashi-Uku, Chief Michael Nwaukoni.

He added that prosecutor was yet to serve the defendants the re-amended charge.

Counsel to the 5th defendant, Chioma Ukwuanyi Esq, observed that the previous amended charge was not accompanied by proof of evidence, insisting that being a criminal case, proof of evidence must accompany the re-amended charge before the case could proceed, as required by law.

Prosecution Counsel, Orji Kalu Esq, agreed with the observation made by Counsel to the 5th defendant regarding the proof of evidence and assured that all relevant documents would be provided before the next adjourned date

However, Counsel to Prince Ojo Izediunor, the 2nd defendant, Chief Albert Akpomudje, SAN, raised the issue of two amended charges in one case before the Court.

Ruling on the matter, Justice Olufumilola Agbaje, said the issue of the re-amended charge would be addressed in the next adjourned date, which she fixed for April 3, 2025.

All the accused persons in the case marked: FHC/Asb/18C/24, except Chief Michael Nwaukoni, were present in Court.

They are the National Legal Advisor of Ogwashi Uku Development Association, Francis Okolie Esq; Prince Eugene Ojo Izediunor; the Agidiase Youth President, John Nwona; and the Secretary General of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Union, Adigwe Eluemunor.