Justice Olabisi Akinlade of the Lagos High Court yesterday fixed March 23 for judgment on the trial of four men accused of the murder of Cynthia Osokogu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osokogu was murdered on July 22, 2012 at Cosmilla Hotel, Lakeview Estate, Festac Town, Lagos.
The defendants are: Okwumo Nwabufo, 33; Olisaeloka Ezike, 23; Orji Osita, 33, and Ezike Nonso, 25.
They are facing a six-count charge of conspiracy, murder, stealing, recklessness, negligence and possession of stolen goods.
Justice Akinlade reserved judgment after the adoption of the opposing lawyers’ final written addresses.
She frowned at the delay by the second defendant’s counsel, Mr A. Nwachukwu, in filing his final written address.
The judge pointed out that the court would not entertain delay by any counsel.
Mr Victor Okpara, who spoke for all the defence counsel, said the trial was fair, adding that they expected their clients to be discharged and acquitted.
NAN reports that the trial began on February 8, 2013, with the state calling the hotel’s receptionist as the first witness.
NAN also reports that the body of the late Cynthia, the only daughter of Gen. Frank Osokogu (rtd) was discovered in a Lagos morgue a month after she was declared missing by her family.
She was a post-graduate student and had a boutique in Nasarawa State.