Evans’ co-defendant ‘undergoes failed surgery’

An Igbosere High Court yesterday heard that a kidnap suspect being tried with Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, has undergone a failed surgery.

Linus Okpara is the third of four defendants in the second attempted murder, conspiracy to kidnap and selling of firearms charge preferred against them by the Lagos State Government before Justice Adedayo Akintoye.

His lawyer C. J. Jiakponna told Justice Adeday Akintoye that Okpara underwent the failed surgery in prison, adding that he might require a corrective operation outside the facility.

He added that he would not be able to move his client’s bail application, if the medical report says Okpara’s condition can be managed in prison

It was learnt that he  underwent a hernia surgery.

Before the adjournment of the case last Thursday, Jiakponna told the court that about the bail application.

The matter was adjourned till yesterday to enable serve the prosecutor, Mr. Y. G. Oshoala, the application.

A limping and visibly distressed Okpara and the other defendants filed into the dock, when the case was called, but none of their counsel was present. The matter was stood down for them.

When proceedings resumed at 10.05am, Jiakponna sought  an order compelling the medical director of the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison to issue a medical report on Okpara.

“We urge your lordship to grant this application. The law places  high premium on a human life.”

The prosecution did not challenge him.

“In the interest of justice, we will not be opposing the application,” Oshoala said.

Ruling, Justice Akintoye granted declared : “In the absence of any objection to the motion filed on behalf of third defendant Okpara Linus, the medical director is hereby ordered to issue a medical report to the court within the next seven days’’.

The case continues on June 27.