The matter came to a climax today following the arraignment of thirty-four-year-old OKWE JUCTICE OWHOMKA before a Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt.
Our correspondent VICTOR EZEAMA reports that OWHOMKA who is a legal practitioner was arraigned alongside one EMENIKE WORDU on similar charges of cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and murder.
OWHOMKA and EMENIKE were allegedly arrested in possession of arms within Aluu community in the company of a suspected leader of a cult group identified as IBINUCHI WORDU.
The charge sheet obtained by our correspondent indicates that the suspects were alleged to have committed a crime punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code.
Senior Magistrate DAISY WANJOKU adjourned the matter till 22nd May to rule on the bail application of the suspects.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government, through the Chairman of the Amnesty Implementation Committee, KENNETH CHINDA, has called on the Police to release IBINUCHI WORDU.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent, CHINDA noted that IBINUCHI WORDU had embraced the amnesty offer of the state government.
CHINDA observed that the arrest and detention of IBINUCHI could send a wrong signal to other youths who have embraced the amnesty programme.
A member of the Civil Liberties Organization, LIVINGSTON WECHIE. has also joined in the fray by calling on the Inspector General of Police to disband any police formation and unit that will not be answerable to the Commissioners of Police.
WECHIE, who is the Director of Communication of CLO in the South South, claimed that the IGP Intelligence Unit and Monitoring Team have been involved in illegal activities in Rivers state.
He alleged that OKWE JUSTICE OWHOMKA, IBINUCHI WORDU and EMENIKE WORDU were arrested on trumped up charges.
WECHIE alleged that the suspects had refused to pay certain amount of money to secure their bail from the police.
However; when contacted by newsmen, the Commander of the IGP Intelligence Unit, MARTINS SAMUEL said he would respond to the claims as soon as possible.
