Court Remands 20 Pro-Biafra Protesters In Prison

A Magistrate court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State yesterday arraigned 20 pro-Biafra supporters following Tuesday’s protest over the arrest of Radio Biafra director, Nnamdi Kanu.

The accused persons, who were arrested and arraigned in court on Wednesday October 21, 2015 by police officers from Zone 6, are facing three count charge in Suit Number PMC/1195c/2015.

The accused include; Benson Sunday, Emmanuel Ali, Ukeme Monday, Chibuzor Eechina, Charles Eze, Egbo Okechukwu, Chibona Ifion, John Douglas, Ezenwa Alphonus, Wori Endurance, Chinomere Nwolu, Henry Eze Friday Uzunwa, Igbodo Abio, Akaniyene Uwem, Eni Iboro, Obinna Stephen, Monday Ocha, Obinna Ibekwe and kingsely Ezengorie.

The accused persons were said to have allegedly without lawful authority demonstrated and chanted war songs that caused panic in the neighbourhood, instilled fear on reasonable grounds with intent to intimidate or cause panic within the State and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 37 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap C38 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.

The accused were also said to have “willfully and unlawfully damaged the Nigerian flag which hoisted at Zenith Bank PLC Ikoku branch Port Harcourt and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap C38 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.”

Ugwueze I.O, Destiny S.I Chima and other three lawyers, who represented the accused persons applied for the bail.

Ruling on the bail application, the Chief Magistrate, S.D Andrew-Jaja, said his court lacks jurisdiction to try the matter, but following the arguments of counsel to the accused, he adjourned the case till October 27, 2015 to enable the counsels address the court on the issue of bail.

The Chief Magistrate further remanded the accused persons in prison custody pending the adjournment day.