The trial of Maryam Sanda, who allegedly stabbed her husband, Bilyamin Bello, to death in their home, has been adjourned to October 24, following the withdrawal of three senior lawyers in her defence team.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday, counsel for the 4th defendant, Olusegun O. Jolaawo informed the court about the withdrawals of the other defence counsels.
Daily Trust had reported on Wednesday that Chief Joseph Daudu (SAN), Rotimi Ogunesan (SAN) and A.T. Kehinde (SAN) who had been representing Maryam, Aliyu and Maimuna had filed notices of withdrawal of representation before the court.
Jolaawo thereafter, told the court that in view of the development; his chambers had been briefed to take up the representation of the other three defendants in addition to that of the 4th defendant.
He however, urged the court to adjourn the matter to allow him to receive proper briefing from his clients. He also pleaded for adjournment on the strength that the first defendant, Maryam (who was absent in court) was recently delivered of a baby and was not yet strong enough to stand her trial.
Jolaawo further appealed to the court not to sanction Maryam for her absence, noting that even when she was heavily pregnant, she was always present for her trial.
He made an undertaking on her behalf to be present at the next adjourned date.
The application for adjournment was not objected to by the prosecution counsel, CSP James Idachaba. The trial judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, in granting the application, noted that although the matter is a criminal matter, there are situations that call for special consideration.
“We are all product of procreation and having been faced with the fact she has just been put to bed, I shall grant the application for adjournment. However, I shall not be giving more than two weeks from today. Therefore, the case is hereby adjourned to October 24 for continuation of hearing,” the judge said.New
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