He added that the police seized his N60,000, necklace, and wristwatch,
urging the court to compel the police to release the said items to
him.
Self-confessed serial killer, Gracious David-West, has pleaded guilty
to nine out of the 10 count charges preferred against him.
“My Lord, I killed all other girls in the hotels but that one in
Bendel Street, which is the 10th charge. I did not have in mind to
kill her, I only tied her to the chair,” the accused told the court
after the charges were read to him by Rivers State Police Command.
He, however, pleaded for forgiveness after pleading guilty to nine
counts out of 10, stressing that he told the court the truth so he
could be forgiven and that he committed the crimes under satanic
influence.
He added that the police seized his N60,000, necklace, and wristwatch,
urging the court to compel the police to release the said items to
him.
After the suspect pleaded guilty, the Rivers State Government, through
the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Zacchaeus Adango,
applied to take over the prosecution of the matter and the application
was granted.
The trial judge, Justice Enebeli, granted the application of the state
government, expressing readiness to give a speedy hearing to the case,
describing it as a very sensitive matter that needs accelerated
sitting.
The judge adjourned the matter until November 18, 21, 27 and 29 and
December 4 for hearing and remanded the suspect in prison custody.
One of the lawyers from the state Ministry of Justice, Chidi Boniface
Ekeh, said the state took over the case because it was considered a
very sensitive matter.
He said: “We took over the matter to ensure that the case is
prosecuted to its logical conclusion. This is a very sensitive matter
and the state should not be ignored.
“The people David-West killed are human beings and the state has the
right to protect the citizens and if anyone goes contrary, the state
wants to see that justice is done."
David-West was arraigned before a Rivers State High Court on a
10-count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder.
He was brought to the court on Monday but the matter was stalled due
to the absence of a defence counsel.