ALLEGED RAPE COURT STRUCK OUT CASE, ACCUSED DISCHARGED

The alleged rape case  involving one Mr Christopher Ogboji, proprietor of Sheriff Tutu along David Mark By-Pass, Makurdi,

came up today at the State High Court 8, North Bank Makurdi. 

The case which started since 13th March 2020 suffered series  of setback due to the non appearance of prosecuting counsel in the case. Although, when the case came up today, the court acknowledged receipt of communication of the State Counsel requesting that the case be stood down till 12noon today which the court granted. However, at 2.29 pm when the State Prosecution counsel failed to appear in court, the Presiding Judge, Justice Theresa Shija after addressing the court eventually struck out the case and the accused discharged for want of diligent prosecution.

Justice Shija said the evidence before her shows that the Prosecution Counsel have failed to appear in court severally and that means he is no longer interested in the matter.

In an interview, the defence counsel,  Barr. A.A Andenira Esq of Fotreza Law House explained that the case have suffered three adjournments in the past due to the non appearance of Prosecution Counsel and even when a notice was sent to the court by them to stood the case to 12.00 noon, they still could not appear in court up till about 3pm and the judge had no option than to struck out the case and accused discharged for want of diligent prosecution. 

He said with the judgement, the accused is free of the allegation of rape leveled against him and commended the Judge for the sound judgement of the matter.