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The trial of a Danish national, Peter Nielsen, accused of murdering his Nigerian musician wife, Zainab Alizee Nielsen, and their daughter, Petra Nielson, was yesterday stalled following the Lagos State Government’s failure to continue with its case. Deputy Director of prosecution, Dr Jide Martins, told Justice Bolanle Okikiolu-Ighile, that there are other information very essential for the trial which were not before the court.

He also added that the state’s last witness, Dr Somairi, was not available. Nielsen, 53, was arraigned on June 13, 2018 on a two-count charge of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kazeem Adeniji, had told the court that Nielsen murdered both Zainab and Petra at about 3:45am at 4, Flat 17, Bella Vista Tower, Banana Island Ikoyi.
However, Nielsen denied the charge.
At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, Dr. Martins told Justice Bolanle Okikiolu-Ighile of a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere that their last witness Dr Somairi was not in court.
He said on Friday while they were having a pre- trial meeting with the witness, they discovered that there were other information that is very essential for the trial which is not before the court.
Dr Martins 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.
“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.”
However, Justice Okikiolu-Ighile who was displeased, said: “Learned Deputy Director, today is wasted, tomorrow is wasted, Friday is wasted. You have disorganised my list.”
Defence counsel Olasupo Shasore(SAN) also expressed displeasure at the development. The former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice suggested that it was about time courts began awarding costs against the state, when it foists unplanned adjournments on parties, if the laws can be so amended. (Vanguard)

He also added that the state’s last witness, Dr Somairi, was not available. Nielsen, 53, was arraigned on June 13, 2018 on a two-count charge of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kazeem Adeniji, had told the court that Nielsen murdered both Zainab and Petra at about 3:45am at 4, Flat 17, Bella Vista Tower, Banana Island Ikoyi.
However, Nielsen denied the charge.
At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, Dr. Martins told Justice Bolanle Okikiolu-Ighile of a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere that their last witness Dr Somairi was not in court.
He said on Friday while they were having a pre- trial meeting with the witness, they discovered that there were other information that is very essential for the trial which is not before the court.
Dr Martins 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.
“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.”
However, Justice Okikiolu-Ighile who was displeased, said: “Learned Deputy Director, today is wasted, tomorrow is wasted, Friday is wasted. You have disorganised my list.”
Defence counsel Olasupo Shasore(SAN) also expressed displeasure at the development. The former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice suggested that it was about time courts began awarding costs against the state, when it foists unplanned adjournments on parties, if the laws can be so amended. (Vanguard)
