Alleged Abduction and Forced Marriage: Ese Oruru Testifies Behind Closed Doors
Trial of Yunusa
Dahiru who allegedly abducted 14-year-old Ese Oruru from Bayelsa to Kano state,
resumed on Wednesday at the federal high court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The courtroom
was cleared to allow the victim of the alleged kidnap, Ese, being a minor, to
give her testimony in private. Justice Aliya Nganjiwa had, on May 12,
granted a request of the prosecution to take Ese’s evidence in private.
In granting the
application, Justice Nganjiwa had relied on the provisions of Section 36
subsections 4 (a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. The section
allows for the testimony of a minor to be taken in private where the court
deems it necessary for the protection of such minor.
The judge also
said Ese’s evidence would be taken by the court in private and in chambers
excluding all persons other than the prosecution, the accused’s counsel, the
accused, court clerks and prison officials; if the accused person does not
object.
The Sun reports
that at the resumed trial, prosecution counsel, James Anata informed the court
that Miss Oruru had put to bed and was available to give her evidence.
At about 2.00pm,
Justice Nganjiwa ordered everyone, including Ese’s parents, journalists and
lawyers not connected with the case to vacate the courtroom before she entered
through the back door.
He allowed Ese
to be led in evidence by the prosecution team, led by James Anata and also be
cross-examined by Yunusa’s defence team, led by Kayode Olaosebikan.
Ese Oruru’s
abduction became a national debate when her parents’ attempts to secure her
return home was reported by newspapers. Former inspector-general of
police, Mr Solomon Arase was forced to order an investigation and she was
subsequently freed while her alleged abductor, Yunusa was arrested.
Yunusa maintains
that the two were dating and agreed to elope from Yenagoa to Kano where Ese was
purportedly converted to a Muslim.
OJPals, what do you think? Let us know!
@OJ’s Blog EXCLUSIVE
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