The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of Siminalayi Fubara’s loyalists, accused of terrorism, until March 19. This adjournment followed a revelation by the defense counsel, Mr. Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, regarding a counter affidavit filed by the Inspector-General of Police, raising significant issues against the defendants.
Among those facing terrorism charges by the IGP are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod. During the proceedings, Fagbemi informed the court about a motion challenging the competence of the charges and the territorial jurisdiction of the court. He also mentioned the need to study and respond appropriately to the counter affidavit served during the proceedings.
Represented by Aliyu Garba, the IGP acknowledged serving the counter affidavit opposing Fagbemi’s application in the courtroom. However, upon checking the case file, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon found that the court had not received a copy of the counter affidavit.
In response to Fagbemi’s request, the Judge adjourned the trial until March 19, instructing parties to exchange processes before the date for seamless proceedings.
The Inspector General of Police had previously filed terrorism charges against the accused for allegedly invading, vandalizing, and burning down the Rivers State House of Assembly last year. The charges also include allegations of killing a Superintendent of Police and five police informants in Ahoada community during the political upheaval in Port Harcourt in October.
Accused of using various cult groups to perpetrate violence, the defendants are specifically accused of conspiring to commit acts of terrorism by willfully destroying public property, an offense punishable under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022. The defendants remain remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja after being denied bail due to the severity of the charges against them.
