Judge Withdraws From Trial Of Richard Kpodo’s Rape Allegation

In respect to the trial of Richard Kpodo, a former aide to Timippre Sylva, Justice Iniekadi Eradiri, of a Bayelsa High Court has withdrawn from the trial.

Kpodo is charged with the alleged rape of a 26-year female cashier.

Eradiri, while delivering his ruling on Monday stated that he was constrained to step down from the case to allow the NJC to investigate.

“I feel strongly that I should no longer continue with the case since the petition against me before the National Judicial Council is being investigated.”

“I will, therefore, hand over the case file to the Chief Judge”.

According to NAN, Kpodo’s counsel, Julius Iyekoroghe, had called on Eradiri to disqualify himself.

Eradiri referred the application to the Chief Judge of Bayelsa.

The Chief Judge of Bayelsa, Justice Kate Abiri, declined an application to hand the rape trial to another judge.

The defense counsel alleged that the judge showed bias in the case by refusing to grant bail to the defendant.