Court Shuts Door On Bail For Governor Fubara’s Accused Arsonists In Terrorism Trial

Court Shuts Door On Bail For Governor Fubara’s Accused Arsonists In Terrorism Trial

In a significant legal development, a Federal High Court in Abuja denies bail to five individuals accused of the shocking invasion, vandalism, and arson of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex….Read more related story Fubara’s Triumph Tarnished: Thugs Wreak Havoc On Victory Rally

The accused, facing a seven-count terrorism charge, allegedly committed these acts during the political crisis that rocked the state last October, attempting to thwart an impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The defendants, namely Chime Ezebalike, Prince Oladele, Kenneth Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod, are further accused of the heinous crime of killing a Superintendent of Police and five police informants at Ahoada community, Rivers State.

In their bid for bail, the defendants asserted their innocence, relying on the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven under the 1999 Constitution. However, the police vehemently opposed the bail applications, arguing that the charges against the defendants involved capital offenses, and they failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying release.

Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, in her ruling, sided with the prosecution, dismissing the defendants’ plea for bail. The court noted the prosecution’s claim that the defendants might flee if released and found the evidence provided by the 3rd defendant regarding a life-threatening ailment to be vague and unsubstantiated.

As the legal battle intensifies, the court adjourned to Thursday for the commencement of a full-blown hearing on the case. Additionally, an earlier attempt by two defendants, Ezebalike and Oladele, to challenge the charge’s competence was also rejected by Justice Olajuwon. The trial unfolds with high stakes and legal intricacies.