COURT QUERIES DELAY IN THE CASE OF OZUBULU CHURCH KILLING

Justice Fidelis Aniukwu of a High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has frowned upon the slow pace at which the prosecution counsel is filling witnesses in the ongoing trial of 4 suspects allegedly involved in the shooting at St Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu in 2017.

Justice Aniukwu said that the court was no longer comfortable with the filling of one or two witnesses at every sitting when there was ample time for the prosecution counsel to bring in more witnesses to expedite the trial.

The judge warned that the bail application earlier denied by the court would be reviewed if the prosecution team failed to bring in more witnesses in the next adjourned date.

In an interview shortly after the sitting, the prosecution counsel, Mr. jay jay Ezeuko (SAN), Pleaded with the judge to understand that he had no personal stake other than being a prosecutor who relied on materials provided for him.

Mr. Ezeuko however said efforts were been made to bring in more witnesses on each sitting.

The Defence counsel, Mr. Festus Kayemu  (SAN), said they were confident in their case while hoping that the prosecution counsel would respond to the court order that more than two witnesses be filled on each sitting.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the prosecution counsel brought two more witnesses bringing the total number fielded so far to 12 in the ongoing trial of 4 suspects involved in the Ozubulu church killings which left at least 13 worshipers dead and several others injured in 2017.

The court adjourned until the June 22, 2018 for further hearing on the matter.

UCHE NDEKE