Alleged Malpractices: Absence of witnesses stalls trial of 3 SSCE candidates

A Federal High Court in Ibadan has adjourned hearing in a case of alleged malpractices against three candidates who wrote the 2023 May/June West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The candidates, Peter Aniboro, Tunde Popoola and Seun Akinola are facing trial on offences bordering on stealing, cheating and examination malpractices allegedly committed during the examinations.

Justice Uche Agomoh adjourned the case, after the police prosecutor, CSP Olufunke Fawole informed the court that the three witnesses she intended calling were not in court.

Fawole explained that the witnesses were well informed of the date for the commencement of the trial and that she did not know the reason for their absence in court.

Recall the court, on June 14, admitted each of the respondents on bail in the sum of N500,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum one of whom must be a civil servant and the other, a family member.

Fawole had during arraignment, told the court that the respondents were facing a three-count charge bordering on stealing, cheating and examination malpractices.

Throwing more light on the matter, the prosecutor said that Aniboro, 32, Popoola, 44 and Akinola, 30 were arrested on May 23 at Clofam College, Agbalayun, Apata, Ibadan, while partaking in the 2023 May/June WASSCE.

She stated that they were caught copying answers that were prepared and sent to them through their mobile phones.

According to Fawole, the offences contravene sections 390 (9), 383 and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap. 38 Laws of the Federation.