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Ojukaye: Court Rules On Bail, May 26
A sigh of relief may be underway for the embattled former Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree as the State High Court presided over by Justice M.O. Opara has fixed 26th May, 2016 for ruling on the bail application brought by the accused.
Justice Opara took the decision yesterday at the resumption of the matter after both counsels in the matter had argued their positions on the bail application sought by the accused person, through his counsel, Sabastine Hon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The accused was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder by the State government before the court, following a report by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the state that a case of murder has been established against the accused.
Prior to the trial at the High Court, the accused was first remanded to prison custody on the order of a State Chief Magistrate Court presided over by Isreal Agbesor on the grounds that the court lacked the jurisdiction to prosecute the matter.
The Court had further ordered that the accused has the right to approach a High Court to secure his bail when the Inspector-General of Police sought the leave of the lower court to withdraw the matter on the ground that proper investigation was not conducted before the matter was charged to court.
The accused had since pleaded not guilty of the two-court charge brought against him before the court.
However, at the resumption of the case yesterday, the prosecuting counsel, Godwin Obia (SAN) and the defence counsel, Sabastine Hon (SAN) turned the court session into a theater of academics, when the defence counsel sought the leave of the court to withdraw his May 11, 2016 bail application motion and to allow his first application made on May 5th.
Not satisfied with the position of the defence counsel, the prosecution counsel, Godwin Obia (SAN), stated that such was not the position of the law, adding that once an application has been withdrawn, it cannot be revived merely on oral application.
Both counsels supported their arguments with the Supreme Court rulings and criminal procedures, both at state and federal levels.
Later, the trial Judge, Justice M.O. Opara ruled in favour of the defence, adding that the defence counsel has proven his point, and struck out his 11th May, application which he sought withdraw, and ordered him to move the motion for bail for the accused.
Moving the bail application, counsel for the accused person, Sabastine Hon (SAN) said that the court has the right and discretion to grant the accused bail, adding that the accused has reliable suretees that would take him on bail.
He further urged the court to grant his client bail based on health ground, adding that the accused was the bread winner of his family.
He relied on his submission based on Section 118 Sub-Section 1 of the state criminal code procedure which empowers only a High Court Judge to grant an accused person standing trial on a capital offence bail, and urged the court to grant the accused bail on liberal terms.
Responding to the application for bail as moved by the defence counsel, the prosecuting counsel, Godwin Obia while opposing the bail application, informed the court that the state criminal code procedure section 118 Sub-Section 2,3 said, the judge can only hear the application and not to grant the accused facing a capital punishment charge bail.
He urged the court to refuse such application.
The trial judge, Justice M.O. Opara later adjourned the matter to 26th May, for ruling on the bail application.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene