Terrorism: FG arraigns Delta kidnap kingpin, others

The Federal Government yesterday arraigned Delta State alleged kidnap kingpin, Mr. Kelvin Oniarah Ezeiegbe and two others before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a 13-count charge of terrorism and kidnapping.

He was arraigned alongside Frank Azuekor and Michael Omonigho.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Subsequently, the prosecution counsel, Mrs. Chioma Onuegbu, prayed the court for an order directing the accused persons to be remanded in prison custody pending their trial.

Refusing the oral application for bail made by the defence lawyer, Mr. Bala I. Dakum, the trial judge, Justice Ademola Adeniyi said the application was not in line with the Criminal Procedure Rule of the court.

Mr. Dakum had drawn the court’s attention to the difficulties he was facing with trying to have access to his clients, who were in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS).

But after listening to the counsel’s submissions, Justice Ademola ordered: “The accused persons should have access to their counsel from Festus Keyamo Chambers and Co, and that each of the accused persons should have access to a member of their family.

“Counsel should file and serve the necessary court papers and the accused persons shall be remanded in SSS custody and be reproduced in court at the next adjourned date.”

The case was adjourned till July 1, for hearing.

The accused persons are being prosecuted for conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, kidnapping of persons, inciting persons to commit acts of terrorism, recruitment and abetting escape, contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 as amended.

They were also alleged to have kidnapped Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) on August 23, 2013 and killed several security operatives, who were on lawful duty.

Omonigho is being prosecuted on a two-count charge of providing support for the commission of terrorist acts and failure to disclose terrorism information to law enforcement agencies, an offence punishable under Section 8 (1) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 as amended.

The accused persons have been in detention since September 25, 2013, after they were arrested by security agents in Delta State for allegedly holding the entire state hostage for days.