An Abuja High Court yesterday adjourned further hearing in a homicide case to March 18, following the formal withdrawal of the Counsel to the accused, Mr Ibrahim Yusuf.
Yusuf is the counsel to an accused, ex Sgt. Hassan Jaba, who is standing trial for alleged culpable homicide.
Jaba was charged alongside Insp. Sale Ezekiel, Cpl. Salihu Aminu, Cpl. Baba Okenyi, PC Uchenna Ibeh and PC Akilu Danjuma.
The policemen, who have been discharged from service, were former members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) who allegedly conspired and murdered a student, Gabriel Rabo, in Abuja, on Aug. 2, 2010.
At the resumed hearing before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, the counsel told the court of his intention to withdraw his services from the matter.
“My Lord, this is not my case, I am just holding the brief for my principal officer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, and he asked me not to take any further steps on this matter.’ He told me of the emotional reasons and circumstances surrounding the case. But this is not something that I can explain in the open court. I am sorry my lord, I beg to withdraw my services,” he said. Responding, Counsel for the prosecution, Mr. Rimamsomte Ezekiel, opposed the oral application tendered by the defence counsel.
Ezekiel said that since the commencement of the trial, Yusuf had been appearing for the accused, Jaba. “He never told us he was holding the brief for Keyamo.
“My lord, this is a criminal matter, the family of this innocent victim who was murdered have passed through periods of tears and sorrow as a result of this incident.
“My Lord, we have more than one witness in court today that are ready to testify.”
Ezekiel said that the victim was a son of a serving police officer, DSP. Rabo Mohammed who resided in Gwagwalada Police Barracks.
“The victim was a 300 level student of Nasarawa State University, Keffi,” he said.
After listening to all their arguments, Justice Baba-Yusuf adjourned the case to March 18.
Baba-Yusuf said that the adjournment was to enable the accused to secure the services of another counsel. (NAN)
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