Court remands 15 IPOB members in Enugu over plans to “dethrone” FG, form Biafra government
An Enugu Magistrate’s Court, presided over by A.C Mbah on Friday remanded 15 persons at an Enugu correctional facility over their alleged membership of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
The accused persons are Aloysius Okonkwo (67), John Ebuka (18), Ucheme Ebuka (19), Lilian Chizoba (42), Maureen Echetanze (63), Eucharia Otu (40), Ngozi Emmanuel (44) and Cletus Duruoha (55).
Others are Chibuzor Abara (64), Chijoke Nwankwo (43), Monday Azita (28), Ikechukwu Ani (55), Benedict Onunze (58) and Chinonso Ugwu (35), and Ndubuisi Nnamani (55).
They were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy, treasonable felony and belonging to proscribed and unlawful organisations, (Biafra and IPOB) and in possession of Biafra materials.
When the charges were read to them in English and Igbo languages, the accused persons pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Mbah, who did not take their plea, remanded them at the correctional facility pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecution.
Earlier, Prosecution Counsel, Emmanuel Ajokwu, told the court that the accused persons and others still at large conspired and committed treasonable felony on May 29, at Emene, Enugu East Council Area.
He said that they participated in activities of Biafra to dethrone the Federal Government of Nigeria and install a Biafra government.
Mr Ajokwu said that the accused persons were members of the proscribed IPOB, noting that Biafra insignia including banners, bangles and flags were found on them.
He added that they joined and participated in activities of IPOB, an organisation the Federal Government of Nigeria had proscribed as a terrorist group.
According to him, their actions are punishable under the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004) and applicable in Enugu State.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
