Court Remands Former Khana Local Government Council Chairman

 

By

Awajis George

A Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt has remanded a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers, Sunny Bekanwa on alleged sponsorship of cultists that led to the murder of two prominent sons of Ogoni in the area.

According to the remand warrant sighted by our Correspondent, Mr.Bekanwa is alleged to have sponsored cultists that led to the murder of Doctor Lucky  Keena and Engineer Deyaa Dunsara in Khana Local government Area, an offence which some individuals are already standing trial at the state High Court.

When the matter came up for plea, Prosecution Counsel, Godday Amadi informed the court of a remand Proceedings against Mr. Bekanwa who is also a lecturer at Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic which he said is arising from the charge of murder, cultism and sponsorship of cult activities.

Mr.Amadi however asked the court to remand the suspect to Port Harcourt Correctional Facility sighting section three hundred and two of administration of criminal justice law of Rivers State to enable him amend his charges at the state high court to include other defendants standing trial for the same offense.

The Chief Magistrate, Nnenda Obigeri-Onugbum after listening to the prosecution and defense counsel Emmanuel George who requested for bail of his client, ordered that the accused be remanded in Port Harcourt Correctional Center and adjourned till 1st Day of December, 2023 for proper arraignment and possible bail consideration.

Counsel to Nigeria Police, Mr.Amadi in an interview with Newsmen, explained more about what was contained in the charges and while his reasons for refusing bail application of the accused.

On his part, Emmanuel George who is counsel to the accused,explained his reason for applying for bail of his client but expressed displeasure that bail was not granted for alleged sponsorship of cultist.

Our correspondent reports that the court also directed that one Henry Barikui-Dele who is also facing counts of cultism, possession of illegal firearms and murder of Doctor Lucky Keena,Engineer Deyaa Dunsara be remanded in Port Harcourt Correctional Facility following remand warrant presented by prosecution counsel and also adjourned till 1st of December, 2023.