Court Denies 20 Pro-Biafra Protesters Bail

President Muhammadu Buhari (left), receiving a report on the Polio Eradication Status of Nigeria from representative of the Director-General,World Health Organisation/Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday

The Magistrate Court 4 sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has rejected the bail application for the 20 pro-Biafra protesters charged with treason.
The presiding Chief Magistrate, Andrew Jaja, yesterday, ruled that the magistrate court has no jurisdiction to try the case based on Section 118 of the Criminal Code, which prescribes that accused persons who committed felony will be convicted to death, if found guilty.
Jaja also ruled that the suspects should be remanded in prison custody, and directed that the case file be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.
He, therefore, adjourned the case to the 26th of November for mention.
Counsel to one of the accused persons, Ichezona Muoka, called on the police to investigate cases properly before charging suspects to court.
He stated that the statements of the accused persons never related to protest, adding that some of them are phone sellers, drivers, pure water sellers and passersby.
Also speaking, counsel to the 9th accused person, Linus Opara, hailed the ruling, saying that with the position of the court, the case will be taken to High Court.
It would be recalled that the alleged pro-Biafra supporters, who were rejected bail were first arraigned on the 21st of October over felony, attempted conspiracy and treason charges.