A judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon dismissed the bail applications of five individuals from Port Harcourt, allegedly loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
The men, namely Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod, are facing charges related to terrorism, including the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex last year.
The bail applications, presented and argued by Lukman Fagbemi, were rejected and deemed lacking in merit by Justice Olajuwon.
The judge emphasized the absence of special circumstances justifying their release from remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre Abuja.
Notably, the defendants, particularly Chime Ezebalike and Prince Oladele, failed to provide sufficient and verifiable evidence to support their bail requests.
Justice Olajuwon pointed out that the seriousness of the charges, which involve terrorism offenses, played a crucial role in denying bail. The judge highlighted that such charges are typically non-bailable, further underscoring the need for the defendants to establish compelling reasons for release.
This decision adds another layer to the legal proceedings surrounding the alleged acts of terrorism, raising questions about the strength of the evidence presented and the prospects for the defendants as they await trial.
