UNIPORT 4: Traditionalruler, 12 others docked, remanded in prison

Thirteen persons, including a young lady, were yesterday arraigned
before a Port Harcourt Magistrate Court, over their alleged role in
the killing of four students of the University of Port Harcourt,
Rivers State.
The accused persons included a 59-year-old traditional ruler,
AlhajiHassan Welewa; ex-sergeant Lucky Orji, 43; Lawal Segun, 28;
Cynthia Chinwo, 24; George Nwadei, 20; and Ekpe Daniel, 30.
Others were Okoghiroh Endurance, 24; Gabriel Oche, 33; Ozioma Abajuo,
23; Endurance Edet, 27; Ikechukwu Louis Amadi (a.k.a Kapoon), 32;
David Chinasa Ogboda, 30; and Chigozie Evans Samuel, 22.
The accused persons are facing a five-count charge, which include
conspiracy and murder.
Count 1 charge reads: That the 13accused persons and "others at large
on October 5, 2012, at Omuokiri, Aluu Community in the Port Harcourt
Magisterial District, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony
to wit: murder and thereby committed an offence punishable under
Section 324 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Laws of Rivers State, 1999."
Count 2 reads: That the accused persons and others at large on the
same date and place in the aforesaid Magisterial District, "did murder
one Ugonna Obuzor by lynching and burnt him to death and thereby
committed an offence punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code
cap 37 volume 111 Laws of Rivers State, 1999."
They were also accused of murdering Lloyd Toku Mike, Chiadika Biringa
and Tekena Elkanah by lynching and burning them to death and thereby
committed an offence punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code
Cap 37 volume 111 Laws of Rivers State, 1999.
No plea was taken and the Chief Magistrate, Emmanuel Woke, of Court 1,
ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody.
Woke stated that the court lacked the jurisdiction to try the case
dueto its nature and directed their case files to the Director of
Public Prosecution for legal advice.
He adjourned the matter till December 20, 2012, for continuation.
Source:sunonline.com