Court Rejects Request to Dismiss IGP's Terrorism Charges Against Fubara’s Supporters

• Governor Sim Fubara has been faced with a lot of issues in recent weeks despite making peace with his predecessor
• This time around, the whole event that led to the burning of the Rivers Assembly in 2023 has been brought before the court, and those behind it have been charged with terrorism
• This came after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the arrest of Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to Fubara

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

FCT, Abuja - On Friday, February 2, the Federal High Court, Abuja division, denied the request to dismiss the terrorism charge brought against five supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state.

This is in relation to their alleged involvement in the last attack on the state House of Assembly complex.

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As reported by The Nation, the five are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod.

Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, in a ruling, held that the seven-count charge was properly filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The judge upheld the argument by the lawyer to the IGP, Simon Lough (SAN), that the Nigeria Police Force (NGF) is empowered by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 to institute and prosecute terrorism offences.

However, the defendants had urged the court to dismiss the charge on the grounds that the police lacked the power to prosecute terrorism offences.

Why IGP sued Fubara's CoS and other supporters

Recall that the Inspector General of Police had earlier issued an ex parte application against Ehie and the other suspects.

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The application was hinged on sections 37, 113, 114, 84, and 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Section 35 of the Nigerian Constitution and 32 of the Police Act, 2020.

The IGP accused the defendants of conspiracy, arson, terrorism, and murder of a Superintendent of Police, Bako Agbashim and five other police informants.

Armed men take over the assembly after explosion

Legit.ng earlier reported that an explosion occurred at the Rivers state House of Assembly complex on Sunday night, October 29, 2023. This incident coincided with alleged attempts by some lawmakers to initiate the removal of Governor Fubara from office.

Reports suggested that unknown individuals threw an explosive device into the building around 9:25 p.m., resulting in a fire.

Source: Legit.ng