Aluu 4 Killing: 12 Suspects yet to be Granted Bail

A state high court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjoined to 7^th of October for ruling on admissibility of evidence on bail application for twelve suspects in the killing of four students of the University of Port Harcourt.

The prosecution council, Rufus Godwin objected to bail applications made by counsel to the twelve accused persons.

Mr Godwin maintained that the ninth accused person who is the traditional ruler of Umukiri community in Aluu where the crime was said to have been committed would influence the trial owing to the fact that most witnesses in the area are residents within his jurisdiction.

He advised that the chief and others have not shown cogent reasons why they should be granted bail in such a murder case.

Counsel to the sixth accused person, Mr Kennedy Amos said his client, Mr Joshua Ekpe has the right to bail as he has not yet be proven guilty.

“the essence of applying for bail is that it is the right of the accused who have been proven guilty to seek for bail. No matter the gravity of the offence, the law presumes you to be innocent until you are proven otherwise by the court. So bail should not be denied anybody who is a free citizen of this country. That was why we had to apply for the bail of Mr Joshua Ekpe,” Amos said.

On his part, counsel to the first accused person, Mr Joshua Kehinde expressed confidence in the ability of the court to give his client fair hearing as regards his bail application.

The trial judge, Justice Letaan Nyordee while adjudging the case to October 7^th pleaded all parents to make everything possible for speedy trial.