Trial of Danish national accused of murdering wife, daughter stalled

The inability of the Lagos State Government to continue with its case against Danish national, Peter Nielsen, accused of murdering his Nigerian musician wife, Zainab Alizee Nielsen, and their daughter, Petra Nielson, has stalled the ongoing trial.

Deputy Director of prosecution, Dr Jide Martins, who gave the notice at the resumed hearing also told the presiding judge of the Igbosere High Court, Justice Bolanle Okikiolu-Ighile that other vital information essential to the trail of Nielsen, 53, were not available before the court.

Dr. Martin’s said that it was during a pre-trial meeting that they discovered that there were other missing information essential for the trial of Nielsen who was first arraigned on June 13, 2018 on a two-count charge of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Deputy Director of Prosecution said: ”My Lord the matter for today is for continuation of trial, but unfortunately, Dr Somairi who is our last witness, is not in court, we were in a pre-trial meeting on Friday and we realized that there are other information that is very essential and that information is not before the court.

“We hope that by Wednesday the information would be ready and we would serve same on the court and the defence.

Read also: Why Lagos High Court adjourned case involving Danish man who allegedly killed his singer wife till March 25

“Our application is for the court to vacate Tuesday (today) and Friday. He is a vital witness, whose testimony will help the court. We are still coming back on Monday.”

Justice Okikiolu-Ighile who was however displeased by Dr. Martin’s submission said “Learned Deputy Director, today is wasted, tomorrow is wasted, Friday is wasted. You have disorganised my list.”

Also reacting to the absence of the prosecuting witness, Defence counsel Olasupo Shasore (SAN) expressed his displeasure at the development.

Shashore also suggested that it was about time for courts to begin to award costs against the state when it foists unplanned adjournments on parties.

Peter Nielsen is accused of murdering his wife Zainab Alizee and their daughter Petra at their home located at 4, Flat 17, Bella Vista Tower, Banana Island Ikoyi.

However, Nielsen has denied all the charges leveled against him.

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