Defendants in the case of alleged murder of their female social media friend, Cynthia Osokogu in July 2012 have opposed the presentation of a video recording as evidence by prosecution attorneys against them.
The defendants, Okumo Nwabufo, and Olisaeloka Ezike, both alleged of complicity in the murder of the deceased, had claimed previously that they were “forced by the police to admit guilt” during their interrogation. But in the continued hearing on Friday, the prosecution, led by Mr. Ade Ipaye, presented a video recording of the interrogation in court.
The witness, Emmanuel Peters, who described himself as a film producer and cinematographer, told the court that the scene where the defendants' statements were taken was "normal," suggesting that it was without any form of force, or made under duress.
The prosecution counsel, Ade Ipaye, had sought permission of the court to play a bit of the video for the witness to identify if it was a recording by him. The court, presided by Justice Olabisi Akinlade, granted the request, and the witness quickly identified it was a production by him, only a few seconds into the clip.
The video is said to contain a recording of the police interrogation of the defendants during the investigation of the crime.
However, counsels to both defendants, Okpara and Michael Ajayi, had immediately rejected presentation of the clip as evidence against the defendants.
They invoked sections 104 and 84 of the Evidence Act, stating that the clip being a public document, must first be certified before it can be tendered. They also claimed that the recording was “done after the trial had already commenced.”
While still opposing the video as evidence, Mr. Ade Ipaye asked to withdraw the video, but asked for an adjournment for the witness to continue with his testimony.
The judge adjourned the matter to 30th June for continuation of trial.
Sahara Reporters
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