Presented before an Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court 6 in Ebonyi State, Oluchukwu John, a 44-year-old man, faced accusations of theft and threatening the life of David Okorie-Ugbana.
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty and is being tried on charges of conspiracy, assault, theft, and threat to life.
During the proceedings, the prosecutor, ASP Lilian Aliede, informed the court that the defendant committed the offenses on March 30 in Okposi, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Aliede stated that the defendant, along with others who are currently at large, menaced the life of David Okorie-Ugbana, instilling fear in him.
The prosecutor also mentioned that on the same date and location, the defendant caused damage to a fence worth N1.4 million, which belonged to Everest Okorie.
“He also destroyed sharp sand valued at N45,000, which was the property of the same Everest Okorie. These actions are in violation of the laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009,” submitted the Prosecutor.
Furthermore, the prosecutor stated, “The defendant is also accused of stealing 50 bags of cement valued at N380,000, property of Everest Okorie.”
The defense attorney, Mr. Solomon Eguji, requested bail for the defendant on liberal terms, assuring the court that the defendant would not abscond but would present reliable sureties.
Eguji also appealed to the court for the matter to be moved to the appropriate jurisdiction.
Chief Magistrate Prince Ogboji granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N500,000, with one surety required to provide a one-year tax receipt of the same amount.
“The surety must have residence within the court’s jurisdiction,” Ogboji emphasized.
The Magistrate also approved the transfer of the case to the relevant jurisdiction and scheduled the next hearing for May 2.