Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
A Port Harcourt Magistrate Court has remanded a dismissed Police Sergeant BITRUS OSAIAH to the Port Harcourt Correctional Service for killing a female Police officer LOVINDA ELEKWACHI.
BITRUS OSAIAH allegedly killed the Police officer on April 23rd in Eneka, Port Harcourt.
The dismissed Police officer is standing trial on one count charge of Murder.
The Chief Magistrate I.F.IYABO while delivering his ruling said BITRUS OSAIAH should be in custody of the Police at the State CID because of the inability of the correctional service to accept inmates due to covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Magistrate I.F.IYABO said the court did not have the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and directed the case file should be transferred to the Department of Police Prosecution for advice.
In the meantime, the lawyer to the family of the slain Police Officer JEROME OKERE said the family of LOVINDA ELEKWACHI was justice to prevail in the matter.
He said the family are also seeking for compensation for the parents and the child of the slain Police officer.
The Lead lawyer for the Police Prosecuting Team Gladys Imegu said they will abide by the ruling of the court.
She said that the crime is a capital offence and will wait for further directives from the Department of Public Prosecution.
Our Correspondent reports that the matter was adjourned to May 26th for further legal advice.
