From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki, has remanded senatorial candidate of Ebonyi South Senatorial district, Hon Linus Okorie over alleged murder and felony.
The case in a suit number: MAB/574/2022 titled Commissioner of Police vs Linus Okorie, the ex lawmaker whose arrest has continued to generate negative reactions against the state government was accused of murder and aiding lingering communal war in Ishinkwo and Abaomege communities.
According to judgement presided by Linda Ogodo, the former lawmaker who was arraigned on five count charges committed an offence punishable under section 516A of the criminal Code Law, Cap 33 vol.1 laws of Ebonyi state of Nigeria, 2009.
It reads, ” That you Linus Okorie and others in charge No:MAB/574/2022 at Onicha Local Government Area within the jurisdiction of Abakaliki Magistrate district did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: murder, promoting inter-communal war and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516A of the criminal Code Law, Cap 33 vol.1 laws of Ebonyi state of Nigeria,2009.
Speaking with the lead Counsel for Hon Linus Okorie, Barr Nomeh Chikaodiri told newsmen that the remanding of the labour party candidate constituted the abuse of court process.
Nomeh, hinted that there’s a judgement of Federal High Court by Justice Ekwo Inyang that restrained the Nigeria Police and Ebonyi state government from arresting the accused person prior to his arrest.
He further stated that the arrest was targeted to weaken supporters of the Labour Party senatorial candidate in the state.
He, however, maintained optimistic that the law would fully take its course as they planned to approach higher Court as to set aside the judgement.
Meanwhile, the matter was adjourned to 4th November 2022.