The five loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, who were charged with terrorism offenses, faced a setback in their attempt to halt the prosecution by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). They had applied to stop the IGP, arguing that only the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice had the authority to try them for terrorism charges.
However, their application was dismissed by a Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon ruled that the defendants were mistaken in their belief that only the AGF could prosecute them.
The judge explained that while the AGF had the power to strengthen terrorism prevention laws, this did not grant exclusive rights to prosecute. The judge further stated that the police had the responsibility to gather intelligence and initiate criminal charges in a competent court of jurisdiction.
The preliminary objections raised by the defendants were deemed incompetent and lacking in merit, leading to their dismissal. The five defendants charged with terrorism are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod.
Justice Olajuwon has scheduled a ruling on their bail applications for Monday, February 5.
The decision was made after considering the arguments presented by lawyers from the police, including Simon Lough and Lukman Fagbemi, who represented the defendants. In the meantime, Justice Olajuwon has ordered that the five defendants be sent back to Kuje Prison in Abuja until the Court decides whether to grant them bail or not.
