Cynthia Osokogu: Arraignment of Suspects Stalled Again

The arraignment of four suspected killers of Cynthia Osokogu, a post graduate student of Nasarawa State University was, yesterday, stalled for the second time at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.

The charges of murder, stealing, possession of stolen property and negligence brought against Okwumo Nwabufo, Ezike Olisaeloka, Orji Osita and Ezike Nonso  could not be heard because  counsels to the defendants in the matter told the court that they  were not properly served with the processes of the matter.

Counsel to the second and fourth defendants, Olu Kayode told the court that the statements of his clients were not included in the amended charge.

The prosecution team led by the Attorney General, Mr. Ade Ipaye admitted to the mix up in serving the processes to one of the defence counsel. He however promised to immediately sort out the issue.

The trial judge, Justice Olabisi Akinlade, had to adjourn the matter to February 8, 2013 for trial.

The matter had come up earlier in January but was similarly adjourned because one of the defendants, Osita, was not in court

Meanwhile, in a six count charge filed before the court, the state alleged that two of the suspects, Okwumo and Ezike, on or about July 22, 2012 at Cosmilla Hotel, Amuwo-Odofin, Festac Town, conspired to murder Cynthia Osokogu.

The state also claimed that the suspects murdered Cynthia by administering Rohypnol Flunitrazepam tablet into her drink, chaining her hands and legs and strangled her to death.

The two men were also alleged to have stolen three blackberry phones valued at N150, 000, Jewellery, an international passport and a driver’s licence belonging to Cynthia after they strangled her to death.

Orji Osita, the third suspect, was charged with negligently selling the Rohypnol Flunitrazepam tablets to Ezike, the second defendant without a doctor’s prescription and without showing due care.

Ezike Nonso, the man who allegedly bought Cynthia’s stolen blackberry bold 5 was charged for been in possession of a stolen phone.