By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
Justice Yusuf Halilu of Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, will on April 4, rule on a no- case- submission, filed by Maryam Sanda, over the killing of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
The defendant, Ms Sanda, alongside her mother, Maimuna Aliyu, her brother, Aliyu Sands and their house-help, Sadiya Aminu was charged with the murder of Mr Bello, a son of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, Haliru Bello, on November 2017.
They all pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge bordering on culpable homicide and conspiracy.
On January 22, the prosecution closed its case, after calling six witnesses to testify against the defendants.
Consequently, counsel to the first defendant, Mr Olusegun Jolaawo and counsel to the three other defendants, Hussein Musa, informed the court that they were going to file a no- case- submission.
At the resumption of trial yesterday, counsel to Sanda, Jolaawo, in his submission told the court that the prosecution had not made a prima facie case against the first defendant to warrant her to enter a defence.
According to Mr Jolaawo, the evidence brought by the prosecution before the court were done away with by cross-examination.
He then urged the court to rule in her favor and rule that there is no case to answer by the first defendant and discharge her of the allegation against her.
Aligning with Jolaawo, counsel to the second, third and fourth defendants, Hussein Musa, urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendants, stressing that the prosecution did not adduce enough evidence to warrant them to enter a defence.
Responding, prosecuting counsel, Fidelis Ogbobe, told the court that the prosecution had made out enough evidence to warrant the defendants to enter a defence.
The prosecution maintained that there is enough evidence that linked the first defendant and others to the crime which they have to answer to.
He, therefore, plead the court to reject the no- case – submission of the defendants and allow them to enter a defence.
After listening to submissions of all the parties in the matter, Justice Halilu, adjourned to April 4 for ruling.
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