Alleged father killing: Absence of judge stalls trial

The murder trial of Huzaifa Hussaini Usman, accused by the police of killing his father, Alhaji Hussaini Usman, has been stalled due to the absence of the trial judge. The police in a one-count charge accused Huzaifa, 21, of strangling his father and causing him severe bodily injuries that consequently led to his death on […]

The murder trial of Huzaifa Hussaini Usman, accused by the police of killing his father, Alhaji Hussaini Usman, has been stalled due to the absence of the trial judge.

The police in a one-count charge accused Huzaifa, 21, of strangling his father and causing him severe bodily injuries that consequently led to his death on October 28, 2018 at B2A S.A. Latinwo Street, Adisa Estate, Durumi 2, Abuja FCT.

The charge further said Huzaifa carried out the said act with the knowledge that his (Usman’s) death would be the probable and likely consequence of his act. He was therefore alleged to have committed an offence contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code Law.

It was gathered that the defendant was granted bail upon his arraignment on December 14, 2018 before an FCT High Court in Gudu where he pleaded not guilty to charge.

At the resumed hearing of the case, yesterday, the trial judge, Justice A. Bello Muhammed did not sit. The prosecuting counsel, Noel Omeji, said the judge had proceeded on vacation, adding that he was one of the judges that stayed back as vacation judges during the Christmas break of the judiciary.

He said the prosecution had intended to inform the court yesterday that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) had indicated interest in taking over the case and as such the police would be handing over the case to the DPP. He said the court officials had directed that he and the defence counsel agree on a new date for the case. The case was thereafter fixed for March 4 for continuation of hearing.