By Isharo Odafe
ASABA/Nigeria: The High Court of Justice 4 in Asaba, Delta State, has adjourned the ongoing trial of three men accused of the 2018 murder of Miss Elozino Ogege, a 300-level Mass Communication student of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, following the close of the defence’s case.
The accused persons—Macaulay Desmond Oghenemaro, Nwosisi Benedict Uche, and Enaike Onoriode—are standing trial for conspiracy and murder allegedly committed on November 15, 2018, in Abraka, where the deceased was a student.
At the resumed hearing on June 25, 2025, the first defendant closed his defence after informing the court he was unable to produce a planned witness. The second defendant testified, denying involvement in the crime and claiming he was a supervisor at a private security firm where the third defendant worked. He said he led police to the third defendant after the deceased’s phone was tracked, alleging the suspect attempted to flee upon sighting them.
The third defendant, also taking the stand, denied the allegations, contradicting the second defendant’s testimony and claiming he was arrested directly from his home by the police. He described the second defendant as “a pathological liar” under cross-examination.
Presiding Judge Justice C. D. Diai directed all defence counsel to submit their final written addresses within 21 days and serve them on the prosecution. The prosecution, led by Solicitor-General Omamuzo Erebe and Senior State Counsel Funkekeme Junior Solomon, was granted another 21 days to file a reply.
The case was adjourned to October 8, 2025, for the adoption of final addresses, as court proceedings pause for the annual judicial vacation.
