Rivers State, Nigeria – A federal high court in Abuja has refused to strike out a seven-count terrorism charge against five loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
The defendants are accused of involvement in the invasion and arson of the state’s House of Assembly complex in October 2023, amid a political crisis that rocked the oil-rich state.
They are also charged with killing a police superintendent and five informants at Ahoada community in Rivers State.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants used various cult groups, such as Supreme Vikings Confraternity, Degbam, Iceland and Greenland, to unleash mayhem on the people and their commercial activities.
The defendants, however, challenged the competence of the charge, arguing that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) lacked the authority to file such a case.
They claimed that only the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had the power to prosecute terrorism-related offences under the law.
But Justice Bolaji Olajuwon dismissed their objections on Friday, holding that the charge was valid and that the police had the statutory powers to prosecute the defendants.
The judge said she would rule on the bail applications of the defendants on Monday.
The case has drawn national attention as Governor Fubara is a vocal critic of President Muhammadu Buhari and his ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fubara, who belongs to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has accused the federal government of witch-hunting him and his supporters for political reasons.
He has also alleged that the APC is plotting to remove him from office through the courts or the state legislature, where he has lost the majority support.
The governor has survived several legal challenges to his election and has appealed a recent court order that barred him from participating in the 2024 governorship poll.
He has also resisted attempts by the police to arrest him over allegations of corruption and incitement of violence.
Fubara enjoys popular support in Rivers State, where he has initiated several development projects and social welfare programs.
He has also advocated for more autonomy and resource control for the state, which is one of the largest oil producers in Nigeria.
Many analysts believe that the outcome of the case could have significant implications for the political stability and security of Rivers State and the country at large.
Some civil society groups and human rights activists have called for a fair and speedy trial of the defendants, while urging all parties to respect the rule of law and avoid violence.
Source: Vanguard
