BY OKONKWO EZE
ONITSHA—An Abagana Chief Magistrate’s Court in Anambra State, presided over by Mrs. M. Mbakwe, Tuesday, remanded in the prison custody seven accused persons arraigned before the court on a four-count charge of conspiracy, kidnap and ransom demand.

In her ruling, shortly after hearing from both the prosecution and counsel to the accused persons, Mbakwe adjourned the matter to October 7 for report of compliance on the kidnap case.

She advised counsel to the accused to appeal for their bail in the High Court as her court lacks the jurisdiction to grant bail and to entertain the matter.

She also demanded that their case files be transferred to the state Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for Attorney-General’s advice.

The seven persons are Chukwudi Enebeli 28; Arinze Chukwurah 29; Chukwunonso Okozu 20; Chukwuani Chukwunonso 25; Okwudili Nwoye 35; Solomon Mbanamali, 29 and Anagbokwu Ikume 32.

According to the police prosecutor, Sergeant Evarest Chike, had about a month ago, conspired among themselves and allegedly kidnapped the traditional ruler of Abacha community, Igwe Godswill Mbakwe.

The prosecution also accused them and others at large of using arms, offensive weapons and personal violence, while demanding ransom from the relatives of Igwe Mbakwe, the kidnapped royal father before his release, adding that the offence was contrary to section 495 (a) of the criminal code cap 36 Vol 11 Revised laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991.

Lead counsel to the accused persons, Chief S.O Abuchi (Esq) raised a preliminary objection to the effect that it does not lie with the prosecutor to say that the accused should not be granted bail.