Journalists barred from proceedings as suspected killers of late Delta king appear in court

By ALPHONSUS AGBORH, Asaba

The trial of the four accused persons involved in the alleged kidnapping and murder of the late Obi of Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, Obi Akaeze Ofolue III in 2016 continued on Tuesday even as journalists were prevented from covering the proceedings at the State High Court sitting in Ibusa, near Asaba.

Those standing trial for the murder are Jamilo Ahmed, Suleman Musa, Umoru Muhammed and one Garba.

The late traditional ruler was kidnapped in early January 2016 on his way to Asaba by heavily armed men who led him into the bush where his decomposing body was found two weeks later.

However, shortly before the resumed hearing of the case with consolidated suit number A/20C2017 and A/198/2017, a staff of the court announced that journalists of any sort should go out of the court room and out of hearing.

The staff who claimed to be acting on the orders of the sitting judge said journalists interested in covering the case should obtain written permission from the state Chief Judge in Asaba, the state capital.

The case was, however, adjourned to March 28, 2021 for further hearing. (Nigerian Tribune)