A Federal High Court in Abuja has given the green light for the terrorism trial of Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod, who are loyalists of Rivers State Governor, Simialayi Fubara. The defendants are facing charges related to terrorism and alleged murder in connection with the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly in October 2023.
Despite the defendants’ preliminary objection, challenging the competence of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to prosecute them on terrorism-related offenses, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon ruled in favor of the IGP. The court held that the law, particularly sections 3, 63, and 74 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, did not exclusively confer the right to prosecute on the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). The judge emphasized that the police have the authority to initiate criminal charges, including those related to terrorism.
The defendants, who pleaded not guilty, had argued that only the AGF could try them for terrorism-related offenses. Justice Olajuwon dismissed their objections, declaring them incompetent and lacking in merit. The court has scheduled Monday, February 5, for a ruling on the bail applications of the defendants. Until then, the five individuals will remain in Kuje Prison in Abuja.
