by ‘Jola Sotubo

A Lagos couple accused of causing the death of their 14 year old domestic servant are set to receive the final verdict on the matter on the 23rd of October.

Elochukwu Nnajiofor and his wife, Chiamaka of 81, Femi Tella Street, Ago Palace Way in the Okota area of the state were previously charged with the  alleged murder of one Oliver Arakwe.

The defendants were first arraigned for the alleged crime by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the 22nd of September 2011.

The Nation reports that:

 The trial judge, Justice Lateefat Okunnu, fixed the date for judgment following the adoption of final written addresses by the prosecution and the defence.

 The defendants were arraigned on  by the (DPP) for Arakwe’s alleged murder. The DPP had alleged that Chiamaka, 27, tortured Arakwe, to death by chaining him for two days during which he beat the helpless boy mercilessly.

 He said the severe punishment meted to the boy eventually led to his death at the Eko Hospital, Surulere, on August17, 2010. At the resumed trial of the matter yesterday, Adamson said the prosecution had proven its case against the defendants.

 “The court should find the defendants guilty as charged,” he said.

 The defendants’ counsel, Mr Israel Samuel, in his final address, urged the court to discharge his clients, saying that the prosecution failed to prove the charge.  He said Arakwe was suffering from diarrhea, which led to his death despite the treatment administered to him at the hospital.