A Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, will on May 12 rule on whether or not the court will take the evidence of Ese Oruru in private.
The prosecuting counsel, Keneth Dike, had applied for that the evidence of the minor should be taken in private.
The judge, Justice Aliya Nganjiwa, while adjourning the case for ruling, reiterated that the court would ensure that justice prevail on the matter.
Dike explained that the prosecution’s application was to take the evidence of Ese Oruru in private.
“We are sitting for the constitutional right of the victim, and for fair trial.
“For the interest of justice, we must protect her image and future.
“We are seeking the leave of the court to take the evidence of the victim in private, excluding every other persons except the parties and their counsel,” Dike said.
But Defence Counsel, Kayode Olaosebikan, opposed the application, saying there was no merit in taking evidence in private.
He said that the pictures of the victim, Ese Oruru, were already in the Internet, print and electronic media.
On the bail condition, Olaosebikan said that the defence could not meet with the bail conditions.
“We were unable to meet the condition that the sureties must be residents in Yenagoa, so, it has been difficult for us to bail Yanusa,” he said.
The accused, Yanusa Dahiru, would remain in custody till May 12.
( Freedom Online)