20 Biafran supporters arraigned over protests

Twenty pro-Biafra supporters, who were arrested by the police for participating in last Tuesday’s protest in Port Harcourt over the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, the Director of Radio Biafra were arraigned in a Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt yesterday.

The court premises were filled with a horde of sympathizers, mostly traders, and relatives who even though were quiet during the arraignment, vowed to give their total support to the victims. The accused were handed a three count charge in Suit Number PMC/1195c/2015 after they were arrested on Tuesday by police officers. In the matter, one A. A Ajagha acted as the prosecutor.
According to the first charge, the accused had without lawful authority demonstrated and chanted war songs that caused panic in the neighbourhood, and instilled fear on reasonable grounds with intent to intimidate or cause panic within the state. For that reason, the accused had committed an offence punishable under Section 37 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap C38 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.

The accused include; Benson Sunday, Emmanuel Ali, Ukeme Monday, Chibuzor Eechina, Charles Eze, Egbo Okechukwu, Chibona Ifion, John Douglas, Ezenwa Alphonus, Wori Endurance, Chinomere Nwolu, Henry Eze Friday Uzunwa, Igbodo Abio, Akaniyene Uwem, Eni Iboro, Obinna Stephen, Monday Ocha, Obinna Ibekwe and Kingsely Ezengorie.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has warned the agitators for the creation of Biafra State against using Rivers as base for protest, declaring that he won’t tolerate future protests.

Wike, who dissociated his administration from the protest which almost crippled socio-economic activities in Port Harcourt, and parts of Obigbo in Oyigbo Local Government Area, said he won’t fold his arm and watch any group play with the state’s security.