The two Facebook friends, who were accused of the murder of Cynthia Osokogu on Thursday at a Lagos High Court, Igbosere, alleged that the police tortured them to confess to the crime.
The two defendants are Okwumo Nwabufo and Olisaeloka Ezike. They made the allegation against the police during a “trial-within-trial” that is being conducted to ascertain whether or not the confessional statements credited to them were truly authored by them.
Others, who were charged along with the duo, are Orji Osita and Ezike Nonso.
Nwabufo and Ezike were charged with conspiracy to commit murder and murder of the deceased. Osita, a pharmacist, was charged with negligently selling Rohypnol Flunitrazepan tablets to Ezike. The drug was said to have been used to sedate the deceased.
Nonso, the man who allegedly bought Osokogu’s stolen Blackberry Bold 5 phone, was charged with being in possession of a stolen property.
Nwabufo, while being led in evidence by his counsel, Mr. Victor Okpara, admitted that he knew Cynthia, saying she was his girlfriend. He said they had known each other for about one year before the incident.
He said, “At the Area Commandant Office, FESTAC Police Station, I was shown a picture of a lady (Cynthia) and was asked if I knew her. I confirmed that I knew her and that she was my girlfriend for about one year.
He added that the confessional statement he purportedly made was made under duress.
Nwabufo said, “The Area Commandant said I must accept that I murder the lady and if I don’t they will shoot me and charge me with robbery and murder. I started crying and begging that I would accept anything so that I will not be shot.”
Under cross-examination by the Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr. Ade Ipaye, Nwabufo however confirmed that the hand writing and the signature on the confessional statement were his.
Ezike was shown the CCTV footage of a scene at the hotel, Cosmilla Hotel, where the crime was allegedly committed. He confirmed that the picture was taken at the hotel.
Punch
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