By Anne Azuka
The absence of the prosecution team in the alleged case of terrorism, attempt murder and malicious damage preferred against the Iyase of Ogwashi Uku, Chief Michael Nwaukoni , and four others has stalled again the trial of the case at the Federal High Court , Asaba.
Their absence was not unconnected with the nation wide strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) even though the team had earlier arrived Asaba for the rescheduled commencement of the trial in Suit No FHC/ASB/18C/24 .
The Court, presided over by Justice Olufumilola Agbaje, adjourned the case to July 23, 2025 .
However when the case came up on Wednesday, all the five defendants—Francis Okolie, Esq. (National Legal Adviser of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association), Prince Eugene Ojo Izediunor, John Nwona (Agidiase Youth President), Mazi Adigwe Eleumunor (Secretary-General of ODA), and Chief Mike Nwaukoni were present in court .
During the session, counsel to the 5th defendant, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Efe Akpofure, made an oral application for bail for his client, Mike Nwaukoni.
The presiding judge, Honourable Justice Olufunmilola Agbaje, rejected the application, stating that the administrative bail earlier granted to him would remain valid until the next adjourned date.
The court adjourned the matter to July 23, 2025, with orders for both sides to be served with all necessary court processes before the next sitting.
