By Lawal Amina Abiodun (SIWES student, D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic)
The court hearing for the Anambra LP governor has been adjourned once again as Mr. China Gift Esq., the counsel to the first defendant, was absent, causing a delay in the proceedings related to the kidnapping charges against Jude Odimegwu and Nwokolo Maxwell.
This marks the second instance where the absence of defense counsel has impacted the case.
Earlier, the absence of counsel to the second defendant, Thompson Ogueriwù Esq., also led to a delay. The alleged kidnapping took place on September 18, 2021, involving the missing victim, Obiorah Agbamasilo.
Despite being informed in advance about Mr. Gift’s unavailability due to an urgent matter in Abuja, Justice C.N. Mbonu-Nwenyi adjourned the matter to November 17, 2023, aiming for the presence of all parties involved.
The accused, Odimegwu and Maxwell, face charges of conspiracy and kidnapping, initially brought forth by the Department of State Services in 2022 before a Magistrate court.
Following remand in prison custody, the case file was transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The DPP later filed similar charges, alleging the defendants kidnapped Agbamasilo, received ransom (which was paid), but failed to release the victim.
Post-adjournment, the accused were returned to Nnewi Correctional Custody by a joint team of policemen and prison officials.
