...Says it has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt

...As accused and others at large robbed Engr. Ted Urama's family of valuables worth over N800,000 at gunpoi

The Enugu State High Court sitting at Enugu- Ezike, Igbo Eze North Local Government, has been urged to convict an armed robbery suspect, Emeka Eze, saying that the offence has been proven beyond all reasonable doubts.

The accused person and others still at large were said to have robbed the family of Engineer Thaddeus Urama of their property including HP laptop.valued at N120,000, Galaxy Samsung Note worth N110,000; three pairs of shoes worth N26,000 as well as N40000 cash among other household items worth over N800,000 at Aji Enugu Exike on November 16, 2015.

The robbery reportedly took place between 2.30 and 3 am when the hoodlums scaled the fence and jumped into the compound, before forcing their way into the house after shooting into the air.

According to the final written address by the state Counsel, M. C Ugwuodo, the accused person could not use his allibi that he slept with his wife on November 15, instead of November 16, when the robbery took place to escape justice, hence the Prosecution had proved it's case beyond reasonable doubt.

His words, "The accused person is standing trial for a one- count charge of armed robbery contrary to Section 1(2a) and (b) of the Armed Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act R.11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

"From the evidence of PW2, PW3 and the proof of evidence, the defendant among others, went to the house of the complainant on or about November 16, 2015, and robbed his family of their valuables...

"After the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, hearing commenced and prosecution closed its case on March 6, 2020.

"The prosecution called six witnesses and tendered a total of seven exhibits in proving it's case. After close of prosecution, on the afromentioned date, the defence çounsel raised his intention to make 'a no case submission,' and thereafter, the defendant was directed to entre defence.

"The defendant in defence of the case against him, called three witnesses. The issue for determination is whether the Prosecution proved this charge or information beyond all reasonable doubt and whether the defendant raised any defence whatsoever to the information...

"The Prosecution proved this charge or information beyond all reasonable doubts."

Ugwuodo cited several authorities to support his claims that the Prosecution had proved it's case beyond any reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the offence of armed robbery with others at large on November 16, 2015, saying that he failed to prove where he was on the said night even he always claimed that he slept with his wife on November 15, 2015, but could not say where he was on November 16 of the same month.

However, in his 17- page final address, the defendant's Counsel, G.U.Ugwoke, cited 18 authorities to prove his case that his client was not involved in the alleged robbery.

Ugwuoke noted that there were contradictions in the evidence of prosecution witnesses on the identity of his client and pleaded with the court to dismiss the allegation in favour of the defendant, Emeka Eze.

Meanwhile, the presiding Justice Onovo has adjourned judgment to a later date.