By Paul Dada
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, has dismissed the bail applications filed by some loyalists of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, allegedly involved in the explosion at the state House of Assembly.
The Police accuse Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod of terrorism offences. They are alleged to be involved in the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the October 30th 2023 as well as the killing of some police officers.
The incident had happened while some members of the House were reportedly making moves to impeach Fubara. It was alleged that to prevent that from happening, some arsonists had thrown an explosive into the Assembly complex leading to a fire incident in the place.
While ruling on the bail applications of the three of the defendants filed on health grounds, Justice Olajuwon said she was rejecting them because they were charged with capital offences. In Nigerian jurisprudence, judges have the discretion to grant bail to defendants but this does not apply in cases having to do with capital offences. A capital offence is one that leads to a death sentence.
Justice Olajuwon also said it had not been proved that the correctional centre could not handle the health issue of the defendants. condition of the defendants.
The matter was adjourned till February 8, 2024, for hearing.