Biafra Agitators Arrested

 

Forty-four agitators of pro Biafra groups who were arrested last Friday during a solidarity march in support of the swearing in of US President day were arraigned before two magistrate courts in Rivers State.

The accused persons are standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on treasonable felony and conspiracy to commit felony and treasonable offences.

Ruling on the matter, one of the magistrates, Sir S. D. Andrew-jaja said the magistrate courts had no jurisdiction to try criminal cases and also could not grant the accused persons bail.

The magistrate however granted permission for all of the wounded agitators to be given proper treatment as well dressed modestly for court appearance.

Speaking with journalists outside the court premises, Counsel to agitators, Ifeanyi Ejiofor said charges against his clients were baseless and unfounded and there were no fats to back the accusations.

The matter was adjourned to 30^th January for adoption of written cases.

Meanwhile about eight members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB were earlier discharged and acquitted of all charges against them after one year in caseration on similar charges of treason.

Reacting to the development, lead counsel to the IPOB told our judiciary correspondent that the prosecuting counsel submitted an application to the magistrate court stating that they did not have sufficient evidence to prosecute the accused persons further.