Legal Aid Council secures acquittal of 3 indigent suspects

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Legal Aid Council in Bayelsa says it secured the discharge of the three indigent suspects last week.

Mr Eddy Inenevwo, Coordinator of the council in Bayelsa, told our correspondent on Wednesday in Yenagoa that the organisation is working assiduously to provide free legal service to indigent suspects.

He noted the three acquittals were achieved in less than six months from when the suspects were charged to court, adding that closing out the cases within the time frame was remarkable.

He said that the council stood in defence of Christopher Birigene, 28.

In Suit no KMC/13C/2024, he was arraigned for allegedly stealing 24 bunches of plantain and destroying doors belonging to his father.

According to him, the offence was committed on October 11, 2024, punishable under section 317 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Bayelsa.

He also said that the council provided free legal services to Woyiengipre Koko, 40, in suit no. KMC/14C/2024.

According to him, Koko was arraigned on October 25, 2024, for the offense of grievous bodily harm against Julius Izon contrary to section 264 of the Criminal Code law, Laws of Bayelsa State 2006.

In the third case, suit no KMC/9C/2024, Timipa Edidi 41, who was arraigned in June 2024 for unlawful possession of one locally made pistol.

Edidi enjoyed the defense of the council for the offence which contravenes section 27 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act laws of the Federation 2004.

The Legal Aid Coordinator explained that he handled the three cases presided over by Magistrate C. Alagoa.

“These cases were struck out for want of diligent prosecution. The coordinator addresses the court that there must be an end to litigation.

“This is an era of correctional decongestion. Therefore, the prosecution and their witnesses have not shown diligence in the matter,” the Legal Aid Coordinator said.

The presiding magistrate of Kaiama struck out the charges against the defendants on April 4.

Mr Eddy Inenevwo, Coordinator of the council in Bayelsa, with the freed suspects shortly after acquittal.