Friday, 28 February 2014

Aluu 4: Court finally begins trial of suspects



aluu4_ph
The trial of the suspects involved in the killing of four undergraduates in the University of Port Harcourt, popularly known as Aluu four, has finally began.
The trial commenced after the court gave a ruling determining that statements made voluntarily by the suspects be admissible as evidences in the case.
Presiding judge, justice Letan Nyordee explained that the ruling indicates the commencement of the trial.
Deputy superintendent of police, DSP Raphael Ezeji who is also the prosecuting witness told the court that the first accused person, Segun Lawal made two statements confirming his involvement in the crime.

Meanwhile, the first accused, Segun Lawal was cross examined and during his cross examination, he confirmed to the court that he was present at the scene of the incident in omuokiri as shown in the video.
Lawal also admitted that his statement to the police is correct but insisted that he was tortured and induced into making the statements.
Counsel to the accused person, J. Kehinde submitted that the court should dismiss the statement made by his client on the premise that he made it under duress.
Kehinde made reference to section 28 of the evidence act praying the court not to accept Segun’s statement as evidence in the matter
Solicitor General of Rivers State, Rufus Godwins countered the submission of the representative of the first accused by also making reference to section 131 subsection 2 of the same evidence act.
Justice Nyordee adjourned till 13th of March for continuation of the trial.

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