Rivers Traditional Ruler Arraigned on Six-Count Charge

A traditional ruler in Rivers State, Eze Victor Prince Worluchem, has been docked at a State Senior Magistrate Court on six-count charges bordering on impersonation, misrepresentation, and false pretence. The charges, marked PMC/2/12026, allege that Worluchem falsely paraded himself as the paramount ruler of Port Harcourt City and Majesty of Rebisi Kingdom, despite a court order restraining him from doing so.

The six-count charges against Worluchem include disobeying a court order in Suit No PHC/18/8/2013, which restrained him from parading himself as Eze Ebar Rebisi III of Rebisi Kingdom, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace by falsely and fraudulently presenting himself as Majesty of Rebisi Kingdom. These offenses are punishable under Section 133 and Section 2 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. II Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999

During the court proceedings, Worluchem pleaded not guilty to all six charges. His counsel, U.G. Wokocha, applied for bail, arguing that the offenses were bailable and that his client had reliable sureties.

However, Senior Magistrate Kingsley Briggs refused to grant bail on self-recognition, instead granting bail with two sureties in the sum of N500,000. The sureties are required to be blood relatives or recognized persons in society with a reliable source of livelihood, not above 55 years old.

The court adjourned the matter to July 21, 2025, for continuation of hearing.

After the proceedings, Lawrence Ufomba, counsel for the complainant and Port Harcourt Council of Chiefs, briefed journalists on the court’s decision, while Worluchem’s counsel declined to comment.