15 remanded for disrupting screening at Rivers PDP secretariat

By Okafor Ofiebor Port Harcourt

A Magistrate Court in Rivers has ordered remand of 15 members of Rivers chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Port Harcourt correctional centre for alleged disruption of screening exercise at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The 15 suspects are standing trial on three-count charges of alleged felony, conspiracy and unlawful gathering to bridge peace.

They pleaded not guilty to all charges after it was read to them.

Counsel to the defendants, Chigozie Baduwa, SB Batubo and OL Dogini prayed the court to grant the defendants bail.

But the principal state counsel for the prosecution, Chidi Ekeh, opposed the bail application

Chidi Ekeh asked Court to remand the suspects at correctional centre so as to face proper prosecution.

In his ruling, the Presiding Chief Magistrate A O Amadi-Nna ordered that the suspects be remanded in Port Harcourt correctional centre and adjourned the matter to 26th of May 2022 for consideration of bail.

Addressing journalists outside the court, counsel to the defendants, Chigozie Baduwa and SB Batubo said the charges filed against the defendants are a bailable, but the court used its discretion no to grant them bail.

In the meantime, the Principal state counsel Chidi Ekeh, said the suspects have been remanded, but may be granted bail in the next adjourned date of May 26,2022.