IGP to hands off as AGF takes over terrorism trial against Fubara’s loyalists
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN has asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to hands off in the terrorism trial of five loyalists of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Fagbemi made this move on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja where the defendants had been facing trial for their alleged complicity in the burning of Rivers State House of Assembly and killing of a Divisional Police Officer, DPO.
During the court proceedings, the AGF’s lawyer, David Kaswe, informed the court that the IGP has failed to comply with the directive to transfer the case file.
The IGP’s lawyer, Simon Lough (SAN), however, told the presiding judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon that the delay was caused by administrative bottleneck.
Justice Olajuwon advised that the directive be complied with by the IGP.
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The trial has been rescheduled to May 7, 2024, with the defendants to remain in Kuje prison until their next court appearance.
The five men charged with terrorism offences by the Inspector General of Police, (IGP), are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod.
The case has previously faced delays, including one instance where the heavy security presence for the movement of Biafra nation agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, to the Federal High Court in Abuja prevented lawyers from accessing the court.
The defendants are accused of committing the alleged terrorism offences during a period of political upheaval in Port Harcourt last year.
They are charged with using various cult groups to unleash mayhem on the people of the state and their commercial activities.
At the moment, they are seeking to challenge the competence of the terrorism charges against them and the territorial jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both the defendants and the broader political landscape in Rivers State.
