Court Remands Three Over Alleged Robbery

A Port Harcourt Chief
Magistrate Court has remanded three accused persons in prison custody over alleged armed robbery on charge sheet number PMC/153c/2014.
The accused persons, Umoh Emmanuel, 24, Augustine Richard, 18 and Daniel Okon, 24 are arraigned before Chief Magistrate I.F. Iyiabo on three count charge on felony to wit armed robbery, conspiracy and stealing.
The federal police prosecutor, Insp Walter Perfect told the court that the accused persons and others now at large on the 15th January, 2014 at Railway Quarters, Port Harcourt in the Port Harcourt Magisterial District, did conspired amongst themselves to commit felony to wit armed robbery.
The prosecution also told the court that accused persons and others at large on the same date and place in the affore said magisterial district, while armed with pistol and other dangerous weapons did rob Margaret Nzorem, one Blackberry phone valued at N10,700, one Nokia 9 phone valued at N17,000, Nokia CI Value, N8,000, 2 roulette wrist watch, valued at N4,000, 18 carats gold necklace valued at N11,700.00, hand bag valued at N7,000,00 totaling sixty-two thousand, four hundred naira only (N62,400.00).
The police prosecutor further told the court that the accused persons and others now at large on the same date and place in the afore said magisterial district while armed with pistols and other dangerous weapons did rob one Prisca Morgwe, 2 Blackberry phones valued at N10,000, one Techno slide phone valued at N15,000 and one Nokia torch valued at N8,000 totaling N46,000.00.
The prosecutor averred that the accused persons committed an offence punishable under section 6(b) 1(2)(a) of the robbery and firearms (special provision) Act, Cap RII laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The charge was later read to the accused persons but were not allowed to take their pleas.
In his ruling, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Ipalibo Iyiabo declined jurisdiction and remanded the accused persons in Port Harcourt prison custody.
He ordered that the original case file be forwarded to DPP for legal advice even as he told the accused persons that they can apply to the High Court for their bail. The case was later adjourned to March 27, 2014 for mention.