Maryam Sanda: Court orders police to provide names, witness statements to defence

Justice Yusuf Halilu of an FCT High Court on Monday ordered the
police to provide names and witness statements to the defence
counsel in the trial of Maryam Sanda and three others, charged with
the alleged killing of Bilyaminu, a nephew of former PDP Chairman,
Bello uhammad.

NAN reports that Ms Sanda was docked alongside her brother,
Aliyu Sanda; her mother, Maimuna Aliyu and one Sadiya, who were
accused of assisting her to conceal the evidence by cleaning the
blood of the deceased from the scene of the crime.

The offence they all pleaded not guilty.

Justice Haliru, gave the order after Sanda’s counsel, Olusegun
Jolaawo objected to prosecution counsel. Fidelis Ogbobe’s moves to
bring Ms Josephine Onyengo to replace one Hussain Okpetu, who was
transfered to Edo.

The judge in a ruling, said: “the provision of the law must be
complied with, the court will adjourn until Jan. 22, on the
instance of the prosecution ”

” The prosecution should ensure that the remaining witnesses are
listed in the proof of evidence” he held.

Mr Jolaawo objected to the moves, saying: “the police is trying
to ambush me and my clients.

“The action of the prosecution is against the provisions of
Section 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015
(ACJA),” he added.

Also, Hussein Musa, counsel for the other defendants aligned
with Jolaawo, submitting that the essence of listing of witness in
proof of evidence was to enable parties prepare themselves.

NAN

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