It is alleged that the accused unlawfully caused the death of his daughter’s newborn by strangling the baby with his hands. He is further accused of unlawfully having carnal knowledge with her daughter (name withheld) without her consent.
However, the charges were not read out to him in court yesterday because he was not represented by a counsel. “I cannot afford a lawyer,” he said when the judge asked him why didn’t he hire lawyer before the trial.
Taking into consideration serious nature of the alleged offences, Justice
Emmanuel Amadi said the defendant needed a lawyer before he could take his plea. “Since he cannot afford a lawyer, the matter will be referred to legal aid,” he said. Consequently, the case will resume June 25 for plea taking.
By Binta Bah
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