LAGOS AUGUST 15TH (URHOBOTODAY)-There was a mild drama Wednesday at the premises of the Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja when supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Charles Amoefule, prevented security agents from re-arresting him after he was discharged by the court.
Mr. Amoefule who is believed to be a loyalist of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State was charged for sedition alongside Godwin Onwukwe and Leo Anyanwu now at large before Chief Magistrate Anthony Ogboi Enahoro.
He has been detained in Kuje Prison since July.
His arrest by the police followed a letter of complaint dated July 15, 2013 sent to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar by one, Kelechi Nwogu, who had complained that on July 11, 2013, Charles Amoefule, Godwin Onwukwe and Leo Anyanwu, now at large, conspired among themselves and caused announcement to be made on radio stations based in Abuja that the State Executive Council of the PDP in Rivers State had been dissolved and reconstituted.
Consequently, Charles Amoefule was charged for criminal conspiracy, false statement in declaration, which by law is receivable in evidence, impersonation, inciting disturbance and criminal intimidation contrary to Section 164, 179, 114 and 394 (b) of the Penal Code Law.
The FIR further stated that Amoefule declared himself as “now elected State Chairman of the party” knowing well that the information was false and misleading, thereby leading to inciting disturbance in Rivers State, which further led to breakdown of law in the state.
The Magistrate later discharged the accused person, when the prosecuting counsel told the court that he has a similar case in a sister court in Zone 6 and would want to join Charles Amoefule in the case.
However, the arrival of Senator Magnus Abe at the court premises prevented the imminent clash between the embattled local government party chairman’s supporters and the security operatives.
Senator Abe, who is from Rivers State, told newsmen: “This young man is the Chairman of PDP in Omuma Local Government.
“He was arrested in Rivers State and brought to Abuja here since last week.
“He has been remanded in Kuje prison since then.
“We are all very concerned that in a country that practices democracy, where people have rights that are guaranteed by our Constitution that this kind of thing would occur.
“But we thank God, this morning, the court struck out the charges as sought by the police.
“They said they want to conduct more investigation but have agreed to grant him bail while the investigation continues.
“So, I will take him to Force Headquarters and hopefully, the issue will be sorted out there.
“I want to plead once again with Nigerians that whatever that may be our political differences, we must respect our country’s Constitution because without the Constitution, the country is an empty shell.
“If the guarantee as given to us as citizens by the Constitution is not respected by those in authority, then we might as well not have a democracy.
“I saw there was an attempt to re-arrest Charles.
“I think good sense prevailed and the presence of the press and the fact that we were able to reach some higher authority prevailed and the decision was taken that he should be brought to Force Headquarters and hopefully, he will be granted bail.
“My concern is that this boy is innocent and has done nothing except playing politics and all Nigerians have the right to support whoever they want to support.
“So, I do not see why a young man from Omuma will end up in Kuje Prison.
“I think it was a child’s play.
“I never knew it has got out of hand to this extent”.
Source:Frontiernews