The trial of Bayelsa State born news blogger, Saint Mienpamo Onitsha, on allegation of publishing a false report against the Kogi State government took a new twist on Tuesday, October 6th, 2020, as the trial judge, Justice Awogboro Abimbola Olawunmi of Federal High Court 2, sitting in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, ordered for the recall of the DSS Investigation officer, Frank Udo and the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, to appear for further cross-examination in the ongoing trial.
According to the Court, the order for the reappearance of the DSS officer and the Kogi Commissioner for Information is sequel to an application filed by Benjamin Ogbara Esq, the defence counsel, for recall of the witnesses pursuant to section 219 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 constitution as amended and the Supreme Court case of Adisa v. Attorney General Western Nigeria.
It would be recalled that so far only two witnesses had earlier testified against Saint Mienpamo, who owns Naija Live TV.
Also an amendment of the charge against the blogger by the prosecution counsel, Victor Uchendu Esq was made in court.
The presiding judge, Justice Awogboro consequently ordered that the two prosecution witnesses for the DSS be recalled for further cross-examination.
Meanwhile, defense counsel called his last witness immediately the case was called up in continuation of trial and subsequently closed his defense.
However, Justice Awogboro adjourned hearing of the case till October 22nd, 2020.
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