The Nigerian Police, Monday arraigned 114 pro-Biafra women in an Owerri Magistrate court.
The protesters were arrested Friday, August 17 during a peaceful protest to demand a date for Biafra referendum, as well as the whereabouts of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who disappeared since September 14, 2017 after raid of his Afaraukwu Umuahia country home by security operatives.
The women protesters were brought to the court premises in Hilux vans and trucks.
They were arraigned on ten-count charge ranging from treasonable felony, terrorism and unlawful assembly.
Other charges preferred against them include: breach of public peace, unlawful procession, unlawful obstruction of traffic flow and possession of IPOB symbols and flags.
The charge sheet marked OW /430C/2018 was signed by Thaddeus Okey, a Superintendent of Police and Officer in charge of Legal Unit, Imo State Command.
After the charges were reeled out against them, lead Council to the Biafra women, Aloy Ejimako applied for their bail but the prosecution vehemently opposed it, arguing that the magistrate court lacked powers to entertain the matter.
The Chief Magistrate however, berated the Prosecution for arranging the accused before the court knowing that it lacked jurisdiction over it.
According to the Magistrate, “it is wrong to first bring an accused person to a magistrate court when the offence involved can only be entertained by the High court”.
Consequently, the magistrate struck out three charges and referred the matter to the Public Prosecution for onward transfer to High court.
The matter was later adjourned till September 3 while the accused were to be remanded in prison custody.
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