NAN-H-88
Witness
Ibadan, Dec. 21, 2016 (NAN) Mr Samson Akinyele, the lead prosecution counsel in the murder case against Yewande Oyediran, on Wednesday, asked leave of Justice Munta Abimbola of the Oyo State High Court to call two additional witnesses.
Yewande, a legal practitioner, is standing trial for the alleged murder of her husband, late Lowo Oyediran, on Feb. 2.
Six prosecution witnesses have so far testified since the commencement of the case.
Akinyele, in his motion, prayed the court to allow him add the names of Dr A.O Oluwanisola and one SP Olayemi to the list of three more witnesses he intended to call.
Mr Leye Adepoju, the lead defence counsel, did not object to the prayer of the prosecution, and consequently the court granted the application.
Earlier, Justice Abimbola had informed parties in the case about a motion on notice filed by the defence, which accused him of favouring the prosecution.
The judge, who is also the Chief Judge of Oyo State, said that the motion on notice alleged that he had held meetings with prosecution witnesses, thus his bias in the case.
Abimbola expressed displeasure at the allegation and denied ever meeting any party in the case.
According to the judge, fair hearing of the case is paramount to him.
Adepoju subsequently apologised to the judge and sought for withdrawal of the motion on notice.
The lead prosecution counsel also assured Justice Abimbola of their utmost confidence in him.
Abimbola accepted the apology of the counsel, struck out the motion on notice and adjourned the case to Jan 4, 2017 for continuation of hearing.(NAN)
DAK/AOS/SOA
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Oluwole Sogunle