Court Bars Ese Oruru’s Parents & Journalists as she Testifies on her Abduction and Sexual Exploitation

The Bayelsa girl Ese Oruru, whose abduction controversy (read here) caused a stir in Nigeria appeared in court as she gives testimony.

According to Vanguard, yesterday, 22nd of June, 2016, Ese appeared before a Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where she was cross-examined in private on her abduction and sexual exploitation.

The 14-year-old teenage mum of one was allegedly abducted by Yunusa Dahiru, who is facing a five-count charge of criminal abduction, illicit sex, sexual exploitation and unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor.

James Amate, the Prosecuting Counsel had told the court that Miss Oruru had been delivered of a baby girl on May 26, and was available to give evidence.

Judge Aliya Nganjiwa took her evidence in a camera after all cases for the day were dispensed with.

Miss Oruru was sneaked into the courtroom through the back door at around 2 pm, after the judge had ordered everybody, including Ese’s parents and journalists, to vacate the court room, leaving only the counsel of both parties.

Kayode Olaosebekan represented the accused and Dise Ogbise from the Federation of Women Lawyers, appeared for Ese’s parents.

A source who was privy to the goings-on during the private session revealed that Ese was asked questions relating to her alleged abduction and journey to Kano.

The source said: “She told the court that she did not know how she got to Kano. That she only woke up to find herself in Kano.

“We also learned that the judge acceded to the request of the defence team to vary the conditions for Dahiru’s bail.”

The defendant had been in prison custody over his inability to meet the bail conditions of a level 12 civil servant, a traditional ruler from Bayelsa axis and a surety of N3 million.

Justice Nganjiwa eventually adjourned the case to July 1 for further hearing.