Herdsmen attack: Enugu takes over trial of suspected Nimbo killers

From: Madu Ezenoha, ENUGU

Enugu state government has commenced the prosecution of suspected invaders of Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo Uwani local government area of Enugu state, who killed more than 20 persons.

The five suspects were arrested and paraded on May 25, 2016 by the Police High Command Abuja, in connection with the Nimbo massacre.

The suspects were on Tuesday the 21st day of March 2017, arraigned before an Enugu Chief Magistrates’ Court presided over by Anthony Eze Esq. of Enugu South Magisterial District.

A human rights group, Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) had long ago urged the Attorney General of Enugu State to take over the trial of the suspects, which they have now done after some delays.

The five suspects were arraigned on a 2 count charge of conspiracy and murder in Charge No., MES/ 69C/ 2017.

No plea was taken from the accused persons as the Learned Magistrates  remanded them in Enugu prison and ordered that the case file be transferred to the office of the Attorney General for necessary action towards their arraignment at the High Court.

Reacting to the development, the president of Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), Olu Omotayo Esq. described the trial as a triumph of the Rule of law and commencement of the process of Justice for the innocent victims of the Nimbo massacre.

It would be recalled that the Federal High Court Enugu, presided over by Justice Rosemary Ogoghorie had on March 13, 2017, adjourned to the 17th day of May 2017, for hearing on the suit Mohammed Zurai & 5

others V. Attorney General of Enugu State, Suit No. FHC/EN/CS/106/2016.

This suit was filed by CRRAN in view of the alleged  refusal of the Attorney General of Enugu State to perform his constitutional duty to arraign the five detained suspects in respect of Nimbo massacre, for criminal trial despite written application to his office to that effect.

Chuka Ezike Esq. the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had earlier entered appearance for the Attorney General and filed Counter affidavit on his behalf wherein he maintained that both Enugu State and Kogi State had jurisdiction to try the case, hence they needed the consent of the Federal Attorney General before proceeding with the matter.