Home LOCAL Evans’ lawyer, Ogungbeje withdraws from kidnap case

Evans’ lawyer, Ogungbeje withdraws from kidnap case

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One Mr Ogungbeje, the lawyer to the kidnapper popularly known as Evans, has decided to withdraw from the kidnap case of his client for personal reasons.

According to Evans’ lawyer, “they” has been able to enrich the basic principles of criminal jurisprudence in Nigeria.

“For the sake of history, we have been able to enrich the basic principles of our criminal jurisprudence especially the principle premised on ‘An accused person being presumed innocent until the contrary is proved’ no matter the public opinion and criticism,” the statement continued.

“We have also been able to keep the prosecution on their toes in the art of forensic, proper and thorough investigation and prosecution of accused persons.”

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Mr Ogungbeje further urged the media, prosecution, courts, and the public to note the dictum of Lord Denim in the case of Rondel vs Wosley where he opined that “An advocate is a minister of justice equally with the judge. He has a monopoly of audience in the Higher Courts.

“A barrister cannot pick and choose his clients. He is bound to accept a brief for any man who comes before the Courts. No matter how great a rascal the man may be. No matter how given to complaining. No matter how undeserving or unpopular his cause. The barrister must defend him to the end…

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“He must accept the brief and do all he honourably can on behalf of his client.”

If he fails to immediately get a replacement, Mr Ogungbeje’s withdrawal from the criminal suits will be seen as a blow to Evans who broke down in court last month alleging maltreatment at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison where he is being held.

Evans next date in court is on June 26 when a Lagos Division of the Lagos State High Court will rule on an application brought by Mr Ogungbeje to quash the criminal charges against his client.

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