Kidnapping: Royal Father, Five Others Docked

Five suspected criminals including a traditional ruler in Oruku community in Nkanu East local government area of Enugu state, His Royal Highness Igwe (Dr) Cornelius Nomeh , who allegedly was involved in kidnapping a 300 level medical student of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), were yesterday arraigned and reminded in prison custody by an Enugu magistrate court.

The suspects, along side the 65 years old royal father, were said to have committed the alleged crime on May 14 , 2010 at Nkpologu in the locality.

In his remind order, the presiding chief Magistrate, Emmanuel Nwaru, said the court has no jurisdiction to entertain the matter (felony) which according to him, is an offence contrary to section 6 ( b) punishable under the section (2) (a) of the armed robbery and firearms special (provisions)Acts R11 laws of the federation of Nigeria, ordered that the suspects be reminded in the prison custody pending the trial of the matter at the High Court.

He, however, made it clear that the suspects are free to canvass for their bail at the High Court since there was nothing the magistrate court could do on the matter.

Before the court handed down the order on the matter , the five count charge preferred against the suspects contained in a two page charge sheet with No Men| 416 was read to them after which no plea was taken.

Meanwhile, shortly after the magistrate gave the order, the traditional ruler clad in a Royal fathers Regalia, raised his hand up indicating that he has something to say.

When the magistrate eventually permitted him to speak from the dock box, Igwe Nomeh, expressed total disappointment with the action of the Nigeria Police against his person, saying he was framed up by the Policemen on the alleged kidnap matter, insisting that he remains innocent on the matter.

According to the traditional ruler, “It is quite unfortunate that the Police as an institution which ordinarily ought to be protecting life and property is intimidating people”, alleging that the Police is trying to smear his good image by roping him into such criminal matter like kidnapping.

It would be recalled that Igwe Cornelius Nomeh , his wife, Ngozi Nomeh as well as his son , John Nomeh, were among some kidnap suspects recently paraded by the Enugu State Police Commissioner, Mr. Mohammad Zarewa, at the state Police headquarters, Enugu.

The suspects, it would further be recalled, were said to be arrested by members of the State Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) at the royal father’s palace at Oruku, following a tip- off which had it that the kidnap victim (Ifeoma) was abducted by some unknown gun men at New Haven area of Enugu and was taken to Oruku community.