Ogona Anita
The trial of persons accused of the murder of the late Inspector Christiana Erekere has again suffered a setback at the Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt.
Justice Augusta Chukwu, who presided over proceedings, summoned the Officer in Charge of the Police Legal Department in the state, CSP Stephen Onwuchie to explain why police authorities have yet to comply with an earlier order directing the release of items seized from some of the defendants.
The defence team had complained that despite the July 17 order, the items, including a vehicle -were still being held by the police, stalling progress in the matter.
The trial judge expressed her displeasure and directed CSP Stephen Onwuchie to appear in court on the next adjourned date to give reasons for the non-compliance.
The case, involving 12 defendants accused of killing Inspector Erekere during a stop-and-search exercise at the Taaba Divisional Police checkpoint in Khana Local Government Area, was adjourned to October 7 for adoption of final written addresses.
The accused persons were reportedly travelling from Delta to Akwa Ibom for a wedding when the incident occurred.
