By Brisibe Perez

ABRAKA—THE  complainant in case of alleged felony, stealing and assault, a lecturer at the Theater Arts Department of the Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, Mr. Ifeanyi Ogu-Raphael, in which three former students of the university were charged before an Abraka Magistrate’s Court, has taken a twist with the death of the lecturer.

The lecturer died on Saturday from a brief illness.
Seeking an adjournment in the case, Mr. Peter Daubri, counsel to the late Ogu-Raphael, said he needs time to study the case further on whether the matter can continue without the complainant based on available evidence.

He said: “Whatever findings I get, I will have to seek permission from my office to either continue or withdraw the case as a result of the new development.”

On his part, Mr. Tayo Ibrahim, counsel to the three accused persons, Oghenetega Odiete, Aforke Avwerosuo and Oghenede Ufuoma, lamented the death of the lecturer.

He said: “The case is very simple. Having discovered that there is no way the state counsel can go on with the matter from the evidence available to sustain the charge, he prayed the court to grant him permission to go through his books, which we did not object to.

“It’s only unfortunate that having given evidence in court, we could not put questions across to him to know and get the veracity of the evidence he has given. But whatever way the case goes, the truth will prevail at the end of the day.”

The trial Magistrate, Mrs. O. M. Omonemu, adjourned the matter till October 15 for continuation of hearing.