The suspects- Okwumo Echezona Nwabufo (33); Ejike Ilechukwu Olisaeloka (23); Orji Osita (32); and Maduakor Chukwunonso (25) were jointly arraigned.
Gideon Okechukwu (39) was also arraigned separately, while Ezike Nonso Ifechukwu (22) and Ezeaka Chinonso (27) were jointly charged for allegedly buying a white Blackberry Bold-5 mobile phone belonging to the late Cynthia.
In the consolidated charge, all the suspects, in the order of their names listed above, are facing eleven-count charge.
By this development, the suit number has now changed to TA/52A/2012. Count one to nine of the new suit was preferred against the first to nine defendants, while the 10th and 11th count charges are leveled against the sixth and seventh defendants.
After the consolidation, the new charges were read to them and they admitted understanding them. They did not, however, take any plea.
Thereafter, Counsels on both sides engaged themselves in barrage of arguments over procedural issues and the need to allow those on bail to continue to enjoy their freedom.
But the trial Magistrate, Mr. Olalekan Aka-Bashorun, ordered that all the defendants be remanded in prison and adjourned to November 5, this year pending the advice of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution in the matter.
He enjoined the police to ensure that by the adjourned date, the DPP would have commented on the need to commence trial on any of the suspects.
Apart from Ifechukwu and Chinonso, allegedly involved in buying the stolen handset and were charged for unlawful possession of stolen item, the rest were charged with conspiracy, murder, armed robbery, rap, “unlawful administration of obnoxious substance” and “forceful administration of obnoxious substance” with a view to causing bodily harm, punishable under Sections 221, 231, 237, 241, 258, 295 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.
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