From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Federal Government has arraigned four suspects in connection with the kidnapping and killing of Eze Basil Njoku, the traditional ruler of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community in Imo State.
The suspects, Jude Iheme, Chika Madukwe, Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, were charged before Justice Binta Nyako on five-count amended charges under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, invoked sections 174 of the 1999 Constitution and 105 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to assume trial of the terrorism charges.
The charges allege that the suspects conspired to commit acts of terrorism, kidnapped and killed the monarch on December 17, 2022, after collecting a ransom of N4 million from his family. They are also accused of failing to provide information to security agencies that could have led to the apprehension of other kidnappers.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their lawyer, Solomon Akume SAN, sought bail for his clients, but the prosecution opposed the application, requesting time to respond to certain issues.
Justice Nyako adjourned the hearing of bail applications and commencement of trial to June 20, 2024. The defendants were remanded in Kuje prison pending the hearing.
The charges also include accusations against Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke for allegedly making false accusations against Nwigwe Emeka Williams in an attempt to implicate him in the kidnapping and terrorism charges.