Man, 34, Docked For Kidnapping

A middle aged man, Mr Happy Williams has been remanded in prison coustody for alleged attempted kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Happy Williams, 34, is standing trial on a two count charge of attempted to kidnapping and conspiracy before a Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate Court presided over by E.C. Woke.

The Prosecuting Police Officer, Inspector Godwin Nwinam told the court that the accused person, Happy Williams and others at large in the month of October, 2011, at Obiezimini Community, Omuku within the Port Harcourt Magisterial District did conspire among themselves to commit felony to wit attempted kidnapping.

According to prosecution, the accused person and others at large on the same date and place attempted to kidnap one Madam Roseline Eresia Eke, the mother of a former Commissioner  of Information in the state.

He told the court that the offences committed by the accused person is punishable under Section 516A(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Laws of Rivers State 1999 and Section 2 of Rivers State kidnap (prohibition) Law No. 3 of 2009.

However, the accused person, Happy Williams pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

The presiding Chief Magistrate, E. C. Woke denied the accused bail on the ground that the court lacks jurisdiction in accordance with Section 2 of the state Kidnap (prohibition) Law No 3 of 2009.  He however, advised the accused persons to seek bail in the high court and directed that the case file be forwarded to DPP for legal advice.  The case was adjourned to February 24, 2012 for further hearing.

Mercy Awari