Police arraign arrested alleged Jewish worshippers for terrorism

Nine alleged Jewish worshipers arrested by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), have at the Afara Ukwa home of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, been arraigned at an Umuahia Magisterial Court and charged with a terrorism offence.

Their arraignment attracted thousands, including the accused co-Jewish adherents, on a sympathy mission.

The Prosecuting Police Counsel, Mr O. O. Uche, who read out the one count charge against the accused, said their action contravened the Terrorism Act, adding:
“ With intent to frighten ASP Justus Ogah of the Nigeria Police Force and his team, they committed an offence punishable under Section 12 (a) of the Abia State Prohibition of Terrorism, Kidnapping, Hostage Taking, Use of offensive Weapon or Explosive and other threatening behavior Law of 2009.”

The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, had as their defence counsels, Chiefs Alloy Ejimakor and Godwin Chionye, who urged the court to grant them bail as their fundamental did not commit any criminal act.

The Presiding Senior Magistrate, Mr. U.O Egwu, refused the bail application, ordering the accused to be reminded in Umuahia Federal Prison until the next hearing date of May 30, 2018.

He also directed that the case file to be sent to the State Director of Public Prosecution for necessary action since the court had been accused of lacking the jurisdiction to hear the case.