Terrorism Charges: Court Locks Fubara’s Alleged Loyalists Behind Bars, Fate Hangs In Bail Hearing”

Terrorism Charges: Court Locks Fubara’s Alleged Loyalists Behind Bars, Fate Hangs In Bail Hearing”

In a courtroom drama unfolding in Abuja, Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court issued a stern order, directing the remand of five Port Harcourt-based men, accused by the Federal Government of terrorism charges, to Kuje Prison in Abuja…..CONTINUE READING

This development, stemming from their alleged involvement in the political crisis and violence at the Rivers State House of Assembly, leaves their fate hanging until February 2, pending the determination of individual bail applications.

The defendants, namely Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod, are facing seven-count charges that include acts of terrorism, such as invading, vandalizing, and burning down the Rivers State House of Assembly during the political turmoil in Port Harcourt in the previous October.

Apart from the destruction of the State House of Assembly, the defendants are also implicated in the killing of Superintendent of Police (SP) Bako Agbashim and five police informants in the Ahoada community of the state.

The charges further accuse them of utilizing various cult groups, including the Supreme Viking Confraternity, Degbam, Iceland, and Greenland, to sow chaos and disrupt commercial activities among the people of the state.

In a courtroom filled with tension, all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Notably, the immediate past factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Edison Ehie, though not explicitly listed in the terrorism charges, was represented in court and contested the allegations against him.

Despite arguments for bail applications by the defense team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Lukman Fagbemi, and objections by the prosecuting team, led by Audu Garba, Justice Olajuwon deferred the bail hearing to February 2. Until then, the five defendants will remain incarcerated in Kuje Prison, awaiting the court’s decision on their bail applications.

This unfolding legal saga underscores the gravity of the charges and sets the stage for a closely watched legal battle, as the accused individuals seek reprieve through the upcoming bail hearing.