Scars on Accused Briton’s Murderers Seemed Old

he Special Criminal Court in Banjul on Wednesday confirmed that the three Nigerians accused of murdering a Briton, Ian Stokes, were not tortured by police during interrogations.

This decision marked the end of the mini trial (voire dire), that was conducted to ascertain the allegation made by the accused persons, MichealIfunayaChurwdiken, AgbazeUgochuku and Collins Chidoke, that they were tortured in obtaining their statements at the police major crime unit.

“MichealIfunaya,  the first accused described how he was tortured, and showed the court some injuries and scars on his legs, but I could not say the cause of the injuries, and the scars seemed to be old scars,” said Justice Emmanuel Nkea.

The Briton, Ian Stokes, was found dead at Bakoteh Junction Bar on 13 May 2012. The three Nigerian national standing trial for his murder were arrested by police barely 24 hours after the incident.