On March 8, 2025, the American University of Nigeria (AUN) School of Law held a moot court trial as part of its 2025 Law Week activities. The event, organized by the Law Students Society (LSS), featured two student teams, Liberty and Equity, debating a simulated kidnapping case in the School of Law courtroom.
Presiding over the trial was Barr. Gabriel Adikwu, Principal of Elo-heem Chamber who served as the judge for the proceedings. The mock trial provided a platform for students to demonstrate their legal reasoning, courtroom procedure, and advocacy skills in a competitive setting.
The trial began with the arraignment of the accused, followed by examination-in-chief, cross-examinations, and legal arguments from both sides. Citing precedents and statutory provisions, the student counsels made their case before the judge in a session that lasted over three hours.
In the end, the court ruled in favor of the defense. The accused was discharged and acquitted due to the prosecution’s failure to present compelling evidence beyond reasonable doubt.
Barr. Adikwu commended both teams for their performance, noting their mastery of legal principles, confidence, and courtroom demeanor. “In terms of your knowledge, applicability of relevant laws, your choices of words, and confidence, you are excellent,” he said. The moot court trial was one of the highlights of the week-long celebration.
Reported by John Abah