CHIMA CENTUS NWEZE, JSC (Delivering the Leading Judgment): At the Owerri Judicial Division of the High Court of Imo State, the appellant (first accused person, as he then was) and one Martin Egbufor were jointly charged with the offence of Armed Robbery contrary to Section 1(2)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Having pleaded not guilty to the charge, trial commenced with the Prosecution calling three witnesses in proof of their case. On his part, the appellant (as first accused person), not only testified in protestation of his innocence, he also called two witnesses.
My Lords, for reasons that would be evident anon, there is seldom any need for further voluble comments on the proceedings at the said Court (hereinafter, simply, referred to as "the trial Court"). Having regard to the appellant's principal complaint (as embodied in his Notice and Grounds of Appeal), the only aspect of the trial that is rele…