A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Owerri, Imo State has ordered the remand of a journalist and human rights activist, Chinonso Uba for alleged conspiracy, treason, arson among other allegations.
Uba, popularly known as Nonso Ukwa had been critical of happenings in the state and had demanded better welfare for the people of the state.
However, he was arrested by the Police and arraigned at the court on Wednesday on five count-charge.
The prosecuting counsel, N.S Onwochei, O.C. legal appeared for Commissioner of Police and the State, while C.K Mgbekonye, E.T. Okolie, F. N. Obisike, O. F. Olegeme, and E.N. Nwaibari, appeared for the defendant.
After the charge was read to the defendant, he was not allowed to take plea on the ground that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the charges.
The leading counsel, C.K. Mgbekonye, applied for his bail wherein he urged the court to admit the defendant to bail, relying on Section 36 sub 5 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He equally urged the court to admit Uba to bail as the court can exercise discretion to grant bail pending trial.
Opposing the bail, thereto, Onwochei cited Section 93 (1) of the Imo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law which gave only the High Court power to grant bail upon application.
Going further, he urged the court to refuse bail on the ground that the court lacks jurisdiction to grant bail or even hear the charges.
Consequently, the court declined jurisdiction to grant bail and remanded the defendant at the Owerri Correctional Centre.
The matter was adjourned till November 12 for DPP report.
