Cynthia Osokogu: the Facebook murder trial still inconclusive

By Akin Kuponiyi

The trial of four accused  alleged to have murdered   Cynthia Osokogu, a postgraduate student of Nasarawa State University,today suffered a set back as defendant lawyers sought more time to file their written addresses.

The trial has suffered series of hitches in the past due to the foot dragging of the defendants in filing their written addresses  since last year.

The trial was adjourned till today by the presiding Judge, Justice Olabisi Akinlade of the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere  for the adoption of final written addresses by lawyers involved in the case.   Lawyers  however sought for more time.

The defendants standing trial in the case are Okwumo Nwabufor, Olisaeloka Ezike , Orji Osita and Nonso Ejike, they are all facing  a two count charge of conspiracy and murder.

They are accused by the Lagos State government of murdering Cynthia, a friend they claimed they met on the social media platform, Facebook, on July, 22, 2012 at Cosmilla Hotel, Lake View Estate, Festac Town, Lagos.

Out of the four defendants, only first and second defendants were represented by counsel today.

The trial judge did not hide her displeasure over the  delay tactic approach being adopted by the defendants, she lambasted the counsel for giving unreasonable excuse to delay the trial

Last year August, the judge had threatened to send the fourth defendant, Nonso Ezike back to prison for deliberately stalling the case.

However, based on the development, Justice Akinlade adjourned the matter to June 8, for the adoption of the written addresses by all parties in the matter.