Rivers State -- The case of the four murdered University of Port Harcourt's (UNIPORT) students makes all the headlines again as the trial of the culprits resumes. On October 5, 2012, the four victims -- Chiadika Biringa (20; of Theatre Arts Department), Ugonna Obuzor (18; Geology), Mike Toku Lloyd (20; Civil Engineering Department), all in second year studies, and Tekenah Elkanah, (21; Diploma (Technical)) -- were subjected to the 'jungle justice' of an angry mob and were ultimately set ablaze.
The unspeakable act, which took place in Omuokiri Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area, caused public disgust and condemnation of global proportion.
The young men were accused of stealing -- and claims were later rejected by the police.
Below is a timeline of the painful, rocky investigation and trial processes which have not been easy, with the widespread notion of aiding and abetting on the crime by the police.
October 16, following media testimony by a sister to Tekenah, one of the victims, the police reportedly dismissed Sergeant Lucky Orji for alleged role in the murder.
Police investigation reportedly corroborated Tekenah sister's claim that Sergeant Orji was present at the scene of the murder and actually encouraged the mob to 'deal with' the victims. Reports say the dismissed policeman was to be charged to court alongside 13 other suspects.
The added challenge was the task of apprehending the needed suspects and adequate police investigation to support prosecution.
October 17th 2012, twelve days after the murder, a Magistrate's Court sitting in Port Harcourt was first to remand 13 suspects brought before it for allegedly being part of a mob that tortured the four casualties.
The suspects were in handcuffs and chains when they appeared in court on five-count of conspiracy and murder. Their Charge Sheet, PMC/2009C/2012, partly read, "That you conspired among yourselves to commit felony to wit: murder and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 324 of the criminal code Cap 37 and Section 319 of the criminal code Cap 37 volume III laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999."
Presiding Magistrate Emmanuel Woke affirmed the court had no jurisdiction to hear the matter. Woke immediately transferred the case to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice and subsequent arraignment in a High Court. The court also advised the suspects to seek bail from a High Court
0 comments:
Post a Comment