Biafra: 6 underage members of IPOB arraigned in Aba

Six underaged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, have been remanded in Aba Prisons by an Aba North Chief Magistrate Court over alleged murder, arson and theft.

In charge No., MAN/ 137C/ 2017, Commissioner of Police vs Emmanuel John and 9 others, the suspects; Chidiebube Ngozi, 15; Ebuka Sampson, 15; Isaiah Bassey , 15; David Okoro, 15; Ubabuko Tochukwu,15; OLuebube Okeke,15, arraigned on a 10 count charge, were alleged to have committed the offence punishable under sections 516A, 443(1), 451(6) (b), 390(9) , 290 (9), and 427 of the criminal code cap 80 , volume III Laws of Abia State of Nigeria 2005.

Also arraigned were mmanuel John, 21; Ifeanyi Amobi, 18; Emmanuel Okon, 18 and Chibuike Ugbor, 32.

The charge reads, “That you, Emmanuel John, Ifeanyi Amobi, Emmanuel Okon, Chidiebube Ngozi, Ebuka Sampson, Isaiah Bassey, David Okoro, Ubabuko Tochukwu and Oluebube Okeke on the 13th day of September, 2017 at the Divisional Police headquarters, Ariaria ,Aba in the Aba North magisterial district did unlawfully murder ASP Cyril Nwosu and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 319 (1) of the criminal code cap 80, vol.III Laws of Abia State of Nigeria 2005.”

Magistrate Ogbonna Adiele ordered the 6 under aged suspects and four others be remanded in the Aba prison and directed the Police to submit the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, and adjoined to October 6, 2017, for report on compliance.

In his submission, counsel for the 1st to 9th accused, Charles Onuchukwu, said the court lacked jurisdiction to try the suspects on the alleged offences and urged the court to strike out the matter.

He reminded the court that the fourth to 9th accused were underaged who are eligible to be remanded in prison.

Prosecuting counsel, Sgt. Hassan Idris Yusuf, had prayed the court to commence trial of the suspects.