Justice LAMINKARA took the decision because of several petitions against her, which are already being investigated by the National Judicial Council, NJC.
Justice LAMINKARA announced at the resumption of hearing of the four count charge of murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to murder at the State High Court in Port Harcourt that the case would be reassigned to another judge before adjourning further hearing to 17th of November.
Our correspondent VICTOR EZEAMA reports that the ailing accused person was rolled into the courtroom, looking unconscious and bedridden.
OJUKAY FLAG-AMACHREE could not take his plea when the four count charge was read to him, while an oral application for bail by the Defence Counsel, EMENIKE EBETE was rejected by the trial judge based on the objection of the State Prosecution Counsel.
GODWIN OBLA made reference to provisions of the Administration of Criminal Procedures Law of Rivers State and asked the court to enter “not guilty” plea on behalf of the accused person.
The Prosecution also prayed the court to remand the accused person which the trial judge also granted before adjourning the case, which is to be reassigned to another judge before the next hearing.
Speaking with newsmen outside the court, EBETE expressed surprised that the court entered a plea of not guilty for his client.
The lawyer also wandered why the court declined bail to his clients, noting that the Supreme Court had addressed the issue of granting bail to an accused persons whose health is at a deteriorating stage.
On his part; the prosecution counsel, GODWIN OBLA argued that the court was not shown any report on the health condition of OJUKAYE FLAG AMACHREE or a written bail application by his lawyers.
Our correspondent reports that the there were heavily armed security operatives around the court today and people were subjected to thorough screening before they were allowed into the premises.
