Federal High Court Issues Detention Order for Port Harcourt Men Facing Terrorism Charges
In a recent development, Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the remand of five individuals from Port Harcourt, who are currently facing terrorism charges.
The order, issued on Thursday, mandates that these men, namely Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod, be held in Kuje Prison, Abuja, until February 2. On this date, the judge will determine the fate of their bail applications.
Charges Against the Defendants
The charges brought against the five defendants include seven counts related to terrorism offenses.
These allegations stem from their purported involvement in invading, vandalizing, and setting ablaze the Rivers State House of Assembly during the political turmoil in Port Harcourt in October of the preceding year.
Additional Charges: Killing of Police Officer and Informants
In addition to the primary accusations concerning the State House of Assembly, the defendants are also charged with the killing of Superintendent of Police (SP) Bako Agbashim and five police informants in the Ahoada community of the state.
The slain informants are identified as Charles Osu, Ogbonna Eja, Idaowuka Felix, Paul Victor Chibuogu, and Saturday Edi.
Utilization of Cult Groups and Disruption of Commercial Activities
The Federal Government’s case alleges that the defendants exploited various cult groups, including the Supreme Viking Confraternity, Degbam, Iceland, and Greenland, to instigate chaos among the state’s populace and disrupt commercial activities.
Plea and Representation in Court
Despite the charges presented against them (FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024), all defendants entered pleas of not guilty.
Notably, the immediate past factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Edison Ehie, was not explicitly listed in the terrorism charges.
However, his name prominently featured in the alleged offenses, as asserted by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Oluwole Aladedoyin, representing Hon Edison Ehie.
Bail Application Controversy and Adjournment
Following the arraignment, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Lukman Fagbemi, representing the 1st and 2nd defendants, sought to file bail applications, citing their extended police custody since the previous year.
However, objections from the government lawyer, Audu Garba, led to a scheduled hearing on February 2 for all bail applications, with the defendants directed to remain in Kuje Prison in the interim.