Court Adjourns Rivers Female Inspector’s Murder Trial to December 4
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned the murder trial of 12 suspects accused of killing Inspector Christiana Erekere at the Taabaa Police Checkpoint in Rivers State. The hearing will continue on December 4, 2024.
The case was postponed by Justice Augusta Chukwu after the cross-examination of a key witness, Harrison Emmanuel, a police officer from the Bori Division. During his testimony, Emmanuel alleged that the suspects assaulted the late Inspector with sticks and blocks, leading to her death en route to the hospital.
Counsel for the 1st and 3rd defendants, Sunny Nwokoro, declined to provide extensive comments but noted, “We have cross-examined him, and he has answered the questions. That’s all I can say.”
Lead counsel for the police, Mercy Nweke, stated she would withhold comments until the Commissioner of Police is briefed on the matter.
The incident occurred on April 25, 2024, when the suspects were reportedly traveling from Delta State to Akwa Ibom for a wedding. They allegedly attacked Inspector Erekere during a routine vehicle check outside Taabaa Police Station in Khana Local Government Area.
The late officer was part of a police team conducting the search when the attack occurred, resulting in injuries that led to her tragic death. The trial is expected to bring more clarity to the circumstances surrounding the case as it proceeds in December.
