Alleged child killer, Ifeanyi Dike, two others arraigned 

• Dike Collapsed In Court Over Suspected Mental Illness 
Alleged child killer, Ifeanyi Dike, and two others, have been arraigned before Justice Adolphus Enebeli of the High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Dike was arraigned for allegedly killing eight –year-old Chikamso Favour in August last year after raping her and removing her genitals.

The two other accomplice also facing trial are Ugochukwu Nwaniro, who is accused of complacency over his refusal to report to the Police after having knowledge of the murder, and Sergeant John Bosco, accused of aiding the escape of Dike from the State CID, after his arrest.

Meanwhile, a mild drama played out in court when Dike’s case was mentioned, as he made a loud noise, while sweating profusely, as the charges against were being read.

The charges were read for the second and third time without response and at the fourth time, Dike collapsed.

The two other accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges read to them.

Dike’s counsel, Lezina Amegua, later told the court that his client had been suffering from suspected mental illness.

He urged the court to order that a mental examination be carried out on him (Dike) to ascertain his mental status.

The trial Judge, Justice Enebeli, said Dike was merely acting drama, but directed the prison officials to take him for a medical check.

Justice Enebeli, however, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison until the next adjourned dates of January 16, 26 and 29, this year for definite hearing.

Earlier in the court, Amegua raised objection to the trial on the ground that the information filed by the prosecution was incomplete and urged the court to discharge the first accused person.

The court, however, dismissed the application, describing it as trivial.

Meanwhile, the State Counsel, who is the Attorney General of the state, Emma Aguma (SAN), said a murder trial cannot be struck out simply because the court was not furnished with certain information.

Aguma said he expects the case to be heard expeditiously, adding no party in the case is entitled to over three adjournments in the course of the hearing.

He said one of the reasons for yesterday’s adjournment was for Dike to get medical attention.

Secretary of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Nnenna Igbokwe, expressed confidence that justice would be done with the commencement of trial.