SUNDAY OKODUWA & ORS V. THE STATE

A. NNAMANI, JSC (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This case was originally fixed for judgment on 10th March, 1988. On that date, it seemed to the Court that it was necessary to take further address by Counsel on the consequential order the Court ought to make in the event of the appeal being allowed.

Further argument was taken on 14th April, 1988. At the end of that argument, and having previously read the record of proceedings, the briefs filed by counsel as well as the earlier addresses of counsel, I allowed the appeal, set aside the judgments of the High Court and the Court of Appeal. I ordered that the Appellants be tried before another Judge of the High Court of Bendel State. I indicated that I would give my reasons for this judgment on 29th April, 1988. I now give my reasons.

In suit No. U/9C.81 at the High Court of Bendel State, UBIAJA Judicial Division, the Appellants, Sunday Okoduwa, Patience Aghamelo, Patrick Ogun, Anthony Ugboke, Augustine Oboh, Anthony Usman Gogo and Ken…