Rivers State to begin trial of Ifeanyi Dike the alleged ritual killer

The trial of suspected ritualist, Ifeanyi Dike, commenced on Friday at the Rivers State state supreme court 9, where he was arraigned before Justice Adolphus Enebeli.

Ifeanyi Dike allegedly killer of 8-year-old girl, Chikamso Favour in August 2017, after raping and taking her privates. also arraigned before Justice Adolphus Enebeli are: Ogochukwu Nnamiro (2nd suspected person) and Sergeant Johnbosco Okoroeze (3rd suspected person). They were arraigned as accessories when the actual fact.

A mild drama ensued in court as Ifeanyi Dike, screamed after his case was mentioned. Thereafter, he refused to take his plea. His counsel, Lizinna Ameegua urged the court to order that a mental examination  be carried out on him to ascertain his mental status. Justice Enebeli declined the request.

Thereafter, Dike collapsed in court. The court entered a plea of not guilty for him, while the second and third accused persons pleaded not guilty. The matter was adjourned to January 16, 26 and 29, 2018 for definite hearing.  Justice Enebeli said that the matter would  be heard on on a daily basis.

Earlier in the court, counsel to Dike,  Lizinna Ameegua raised objection to the trial on the ground that the data filed by the prosecution was incomplete.  He urged the court to discharge the first accused person. The court but dismissed the objection.

Addressing journalists after the adjournment, Rivers state's attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Emmanuel Aguma, SAN said he expects the case to be heard efficiently. He said that no party in the case is entitled  to more than three adjournments in the course of the hearing, adding that one of the reasons for the adjournment on Friday was for Dike to get medical attention.

Secretary of the International Federation of female Lawyers, FIDA, Nnenna Igbokwe expressed confidence  that justice will be done now that trial has commenced.