The trial of twelve individuals accused of murdering Inspector Christiana Erekere was stalled on Wednesday at the State High Court in Port Harcourt due to the absence of the first defendant, Joy Uwheraka.
Uwheraka, who was scheduled to open her defence, was reportedly rushed to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital for surgery. Her counsel made an oral application informing the court of her condition, which was not contested by the prosecution led by Celestine Dickson of the Nigeria Police.
Inspector Erekere was allegedly murdered on April 25, 2023, during a stop-and-search operation at the Taaba Police Division in Khana Local Government Area. The suspects were reportedly en route from Delta State to Akwa Ibom for a traditional marriage ceremony when the incident occurred.
Presiding judge, Justice Augusta Chukwu, adjourned the matter to May 19, 2025, for continuation of defence.
