Former NBA Chairman with terrorism

The Federal High Court in Asaba has arraigned and granted bail to Barrister Francis Okolie, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ogwashi-Uku branch, who faces multiple charges, including terrorism.

Okolie, known as the "Mayor of Ogwashi-Uku," stands accused alongside three co-defendants: Mr. Ojo Eugene Izediunor, Jihn Nwaona, and Eluemunor Adigwe. 

The case, filed under Case No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024, includes charges of terrorism, attempted murder, instigating native conflicts, property damage, and destruction of police vehicles.

Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Agbaje Olufunmilola, accepted not guilty pleas from the defendants and reviewed their bail applications. 

Bail was granted under strict conditions, including a 5 million Naira bond per defendant, supported by sureties who must own property within the court’s jurisdiction.

Additionally, sureties were ordered to surrender their international passports and provide verified property documents. Defendants are also restricted from leaving Nigeria during the trial, with failure to meet these conditions resulting in immediate remand.

The charges relate to an alleged October 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. Local reports indicate that Mr. Mike Nwaukoni allegedly led the defendants and other armed accomplices in a coordinated effort to seize the Palace. 

The assailants reportedly fired at Palace staff, local vigilantes, and police stationed at the gate. During the attack, a vigilante member sustained a head wound, and several others were injured. 

Multiple vehicles, including a Hilux truck from the Ogwashi-Uku Divisional Police Headquarters, were also damaged. The incident reportedly took place in broad daylight, causing alarm throughout the community.

Authorities report that several suspects remain at large, including individuals identified as Papa Esedebe, Chidinma Ofuasi, and Emeka Izediunor, with arrest warrants issued for each.

In a related matter, the Inspector General of Police has brought additional charges under Case No. MO/124C/2024 at the Ogwashi-Uku Magistrate Court. The accused in this case include Mayor Okolie and others, facing charges of grievous harm and conduct likely to incite public disorder, relating to an alleged unlawful entry onto disputed property.

Local sources allege that Barrister Okolie has publicly claimed that his ties with Honourable Justice K.O. Okpu of the Delta State High Court in Ogwashi-Uku will allow him to obtain an ex-parte injunction, effectively blocking his prosecution. 

Okolie reportedly asserts that this order would protect him from police summons at the magistrate court. Community leaders and legal experts have voiced concerns, describing this as an attempt to undermine the magistrate court’s authority and potentially manipulate judicial processes to evade justice.