Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court Abuja has denied bail to five Port Harcourt residents, Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod, on charges of terrorism.
The men, considered loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, were arrested last year following the alleged burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex. They were arraigned by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on seven counts of terrorism.
Their lawyer, Lukman Fagbemi, argued for their release on bail, but Justice Olajuwon rejected the applications, deeming them “lacking in merit.” The judge explained that the defendants failed to present “special circumstances” justifying their release from the Kuje Correctional Centre Abuja.
Justice Olajuwon criticised the evidence presented by Ezebalike and Oladele, considering it “incoherent and unverifiable.” He further said that terrorism offenses are typically not eligible for bail.
