By Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

Four persons have been arraigned before an Umuahia Chief Magistrate’s Court for alleged arson. One
of them is a student of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,Umudike.

The suspects allegedly burnt three houses and two vehicles.
They are Iroanya Valentine (25), Nwafor Uzochukwu (28), Chinedu Apugo (28) and Kelechi Nwosu (25). They were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court 111 in Umuahia for vehicle conspiracy, malicious damage and arson.
Prosecutor, Sunday Okoye, told the court that Iroanya, Uzochukwu, Apugo and Nwosu burnt a
Nissan Pathfinder vehicle Jeep and a Mercedes Benz car worth about N4.2 million and N3.2million
He said the suspects also destroyed the property of Chike Ugoji at Ehume Umuopara, Umuahia, on
September 30.
Police Corporal Okoye also alleged that the accused persons burnt down a house belonging to Ugoji and Andy Okoronkwo’s supermarket, worth about N218.5million.
He prayed the court to assume jurisdiction on the matter and not to grant bail to the four accused,
adding that police brought them to Umuahia Judicial Division because of security reasons.
The police officer argued that granting temporary freedom to them may jeopardise the trial and enable them to jump bail.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty.
Defense counsel Sylvester Ihekoronye applied for bail to the accused persons.
He said: “Let the court not fall into this obvious temptation by refusing to grant bail to the accused
persons. One of the four accused persons is a final year student of the Michael Okpara University of
Agriculture, Umudike, and will require defending his project’’.
Maureen Ahukanna, the Magistrate, granted bail to the four accused persons.
She adjourned the matter till Oct 17.

via The Nation

Post Reply

Posted: at 12-10-2011 05:31 AM (12 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Reply: