Alleged Illegal Possession Of Arms; 3 Catholic Priests Get Bail

A High Court in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, yester­day granted bail to three Catholic catechists for al­leged possession of illegal fire arms in suit number, HID/41C/2016.

The trio granted bail yes­terday were Daniel Nwoye, Agbo Peter and Patrick Aju­luchukwu. The Presiding Judge, Justice Arinze Aka­buo, who granted the ac­cused persons bail, allowed a Monsignor, who is also a lawyer, Nathaniel Obiagba, to sign their bail bonds.

This came despite the objection raised by the gov­ernment counsel, Mrs S.N Nwanegbo Ezeaputa, who represented the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the state in the matter.

Their bail was based on the application by their counsel, C.J Asiegbu, who maintained that the defen­dants had not been known for criminal activities be­fore now, pledging that they would not jump bail as be­ing feared.

Counsel to the govern­ment, Ezeaputa, had vehe­mently opposed the Mon­signor taking the three accused persons on bail, adding that the transfer of the cleric outside Nigeria might jeopardise the trial of the suspects.

The Monsignor, however, told the court that he was in Anambra State to stay permanently, adding that the feared transfer to any­where from Anambra was unfounded.

Other charges against the suspects apart from illegal possession of fire arms in­cluded forceful entry con­trary to Section 115 of the Criminal Code Act and willful and unlawful dam­age.

The trail judge, justice Akabuo, later adjourned the matter for proper hearing for February 2nd and 7th, 2017.