Police arraign 7 IPOB members for alleged murder, kidnapping, membership of proscribed group

September 18, 2017 

By Ijendu Iheaka

Seven suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday appeared in an Aba North Magistrates’ Court III for allegedly participating in activities of the pro-Biafra group in Aba, the economic hub of Abia.

The accused persons are: Chinonso Ude, 30; Maduabuchi Echereodo, 25; Ukochukwu Ikechukwu, 32; Okechukwu Daniel, 20; Ifeanyi Sunday,33; Okezie Jeremiah, 26; Chizuruoke Nwazuo, 27; and others now at large.

The pro-Biafra members were arraigned on a 12-count charge bothering on murder, possession of dangerous weapons, arson, kidnapping, membership of IPOB and conspiracy.

The charge sheet read in part: “that you Chinonso Ude and others on the 14th day of September, 2017 at Ariaria in Aba North Magisterial District did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: use of offensive weapons or explosives.

“And thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 10 (1) (C) of the Abia State Prohibition of Terrorism, Kidnapping, Hostage Taking, Use of Offensive Weapons or Explosives and other Threatening Behaviour Law No. 10 of 2009.”

The Prosecutor, ASP Gabriel Ogbonna, said that on the Sept 15 they also allegedly conspired and murdered one ASP Cyril Nwosu at Ariaria police station.

He said that they committed murder, arson, kidnapping, causing breach of peace, burning of vehicles and destruction of property of the police and belonged to IPOB, a proscribed organisation.

In his argument, Mr Charles Onuchukwu, counsel to Ude, Echerodo and Okezie said the court lacked jurisdiction to hear murder, kidnapping and terrorism cases.

Onuchukwu urged that the three offences be deleted and his clients granted bail.

Ogbonna opposed the application maintaining that the court had powers to direct the action to be taken in the given circumstance.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr Ogbonna Adiele, ordered the remand of the accused persons in Aba Federal Prison.

He adjourned the matter till Sept. 27, for ruling.