The trial of Mr Anona Stephen, the suspected murderer of an Uyo-based barber, late Daniel Bassey, which was to resume today at the High Court in Uyo may not take place.
This is because the accused person, Anona, a native of Njikoka in Anambra State, who is in prison custody, would not be brought to court today, following the pulling out ceremony of Akwa Ibom State Controller of Prisons, taking place same day in Uyo.
The Prosection Counsel, Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, who is the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice had informed the Court yesterday that he would be part of the ceremony.
It could be recalled that at the last proceedings, the Defence Counsel, Barr. Chibuzor Odili was absent in court, prompting the Presiding Judge, Justice Ifiok Ukana to adjourn the matter to today and tomorrow.
Odili had on the first day of hearing, applied for an adjournment to enable him to study the case file.
On the second day, while cross examining the First Prosecution Witness (PW1), Victoria Willie, who is the wife of the deceased, he midway asked the Prosecution Counsel to give him the original copy of the witness to the police, a request that was not granted on the grounds that it did not have the requisite provision of the law.
He applied to the court to adjourn the matter again so that he can come back with the legal backing and conclude his cross examination.
But on the adjourned date, he was nowhere to be found in the court.
The late barber, Daniel Bassey, a native of Ifiayong Usuk in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is alleged to have been murdered by Anona last year in his residence in Itu Road, Uyo, with the body of the deceased dismembered and dumped on the road.
The Prosecution Counsel, Barr. Nwoko had assured the public that justice would prevail in the case, which is entitled "The State versus Anona Stephen."
By Harrison Essien
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