Justice Oyindamola Ogala of a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has fixed July 7 to deliver judgement in the trial of a couple, Fortune and Stephen Nwankwo, who were accused of the murder of their housemaid, Joy Adole, in Bariga area.
The couple is facing a eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, involuntary manslaughter and accessory after the fact to murder.
They were accused of killing 19-year-old Adole on April 20, 2020, at their residence located at 18, Ogundola Street, Bariga, Lagos.
The couple, however, denied the allegation, claiming that Adole committed suicide by hanging herself in her bedroom.
Upon their non guilty plea, the State Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP, commenced trial and called eight witnesses to prove the case against the couple.
The couple thereafter filed no case submission upon closing of prosecution case on October 12, 2021.
However the court turned down the application on November 24, 2021 for lack of merit and asked the couple to open their defence.
In their defence on January 17, 2022, the couple told the court that the day that preceded the incident, Joy was caught with noodles and was beaten because she was fond of stealing foodstuffs at home.
At today’s proceedings, both the prosecutor and defence team adopted their final written addresses.
The judge subsequently adjourned for judgement.
Wahab Akinlade
