This is the second time the judge made the same order in court. Last week when the accused was arraigned at the special criminal division on three counts of murder, rape and incest, the judge said the defendant needed a lawyer, taking into consideration the serious nature of the offences he was alleged to have committed.
“He will not take his plea until he is represented by a counsel,” Justice Emmanuel Amadi said yesterday when he realised there was no counsel from legal aid to stand for the accused. Consequently, he said an arraignment notice will be served to the legal pro bono agency.
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 his daughter (name withheld) without her consent. The case will resume on July 9 for plea taking.
By Binta Bah
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