FG takes over suspected killers of Imo monarch’s trial

The Federal Government has taken over the prosecution of four suspected killers of the traditional ruler of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community of Imo State, Basil Njoku.

Njoku was kidnapped while returning from the Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia and was subsequently killed on December 17, 2022, after his family paid N4m ransom.

The police arrested and arraigned Jude Iheme and Chika Madukwe in connection with his death.

They were charged with terrorism and illegal possession of arms among others.

The suspects pleaded not guilty to the offence.

However, on the last adjourned date, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, through his lawyer, Simon Lough, sought the leave of court to amend the terrorism charges preferred against the suspected killers of the traditional ruler, adding that more suspects had been apprehended.

At the proceedings on Friday, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, through his counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court of the FG’s decision to take over the trial of the suspects.

He noted that this was pursuant to Sections 174 of the 1999 Constitution and 105 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

Kaswe said the IG had been directed to make the case file available to the Federal Ministry of Justice for appropriate action.

“I urge my honourable lord to put on hold the arraignment and seek an adjournment to enable me to study the case file to ensure diligent prosecution of the case, “he added.

The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako subsequently adjourned till April 15 for the re-arraignment of the defendants