The ongoing trial of the 44 students from the University of Uyo who were arbitrarily arrested from their hotel rooms, and while on the road on June 12, 2013, in response to the students demonstration at the school continued today Wednesday 12th March, 2014 at High Court 7 Uyo.
The ongoing trial of the 44 students from the University of Uyo who were arbitrarily arrested from their hotel rooms, and while on the road on June 12, 2013, in response to the students demonstration at the school continued today Wednesday 12th March, 2014 at High Court 7 Uyo.
It was presided over by Hon. Justice Joy Unwana, as 42 of the accused 44 were present in court, while 2 were absent. The trial judge almost issued a Bench Warrant for the arrest of the absentees, but rescinded her intention, owing to the inability of the prosecution to show proof of service, or contempt.
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('content1'); });
The University is the Complainant in this case, and was represented in court by one Barr I O Eze, on watching brief while the State was represented by a lawyer from the Ministry of Justice. The students were represented by their various lawyers numbering over 20, while those without lawyers were represented by one Barrister Theodore Williams pro bono.
Sadly, it was brought to the notice of the court that the 34th accused person in this case, who has never attended the trial, is Ubong Anthony Linus. He is a 100 level student of the Department of Chemical Engineering, and has, reportedly gone insane, according to witnesses and others close to this story.
There are numerous claims, and reports, that the insanity started, and was noticed by his co-inmates while in prison. According to the mother of the insane student, his situation has worsened after his release from prison. Currently, he is being treated at an undisclosed location, but it appears he is not responding well to treatment.
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('content2'); });
Meanwhile, efforts are being made to apply for the suspension of his studies at the university. Another episode at today's trial is the revelation that the 6th accused person in the case is not a student of UNIUYO, but of OAU, and had to miss his exams today to attend the trial in Uyo.
The prosecution continued, some say, with their lackadaisical attitude to the trial by seeking an adjournment, thereby, stalling the trial on the grounds that the lead prosecutor was ill. This infuriated the no nonsense judge who excoriated the prosecution.
She said inter alia:
"If you people are not prepared to do this matter you better ask the Attorney General to enter a nolle prosequi...I take exceptions to this...I think we should have the interest of the accused persons at heart, it is very annoying, it is very unfair..."
The judge ordered the counsel to the accused persons to consolidate their representation, and appoint a lead counsel to address the court on their behalf, while others will just contribute before the next adjourned date.
She equally ordered those of them that intend to apply for a quashing of the charges, to do so within 14 days from today, while the prosecution will file counter within 14 days thereafter. Replies on point of law should be filed within 7 days after the counter had been filed.
Meanwhile, the court extended the bail for all the accused persons owing to their good conduct in attending trial. The case was then adjourned to May 8th and also, on May 12, 2014 for a hearing. This will enable the students to attend to their exams which for many will start on March 31st.
The insane student is in dire need of assistance, he comes from a poor background, some are saying his family is among the poorest of the poor.
“We therefore appeal to spirited members of the society, to come to his aid,” said one member of the group of students close to the case who spoke to us on condition of anonymity.
“In fact,” the source told us, “the family cannot afford medical expenses and has resorted to faith healing. This is an emergency. We equally appeal for more pressure (by the public) to be exerted on the Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, to drop these trumped up charges, as there is no indication he was involved in this at all.”
“We equally appeal for more Public Interest Lawyers to come to the rescue of these students,” the source said, “as many of the lawyers have either withdrawn, or have threatened to withdraw from the case owing to the inability of the students to meet their financial obligations.”
The May court date for the accused students is expected to be watched closely in this controversial case.
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('comments'); });