Magistrate grants land grabber bail

A chief magistrate court in Port Harcourt has granted bail in the sum of N100, 000 to one John Onwuegbula over alleged stealing.

Onwuegbula, aged 45, allegedly stole two landed property’s documents valued at N400, 000.00, property of one Chidi Victor Ezeji.

He also allegedly entered into the land and property of Ezeji and demarcated it in an attempt to sell it.

The suspect equally reportedly assaulted his victim which caused him boldly harm just as he also threatened his life to intimidate and cow him to drop any form of legal action against him.

The accused pleaded not-guilty to the six-count charge against him which borders on stealing and assault.

The prosecutor, Inspector Wilson Isaiah alleged that the suspect has been perpetrating trouble against his victims between January and October this year but the victims’ attempt to peacefully resolve the matter failed.

Isaiah also told the court that his offences breached section 516A (a), 4(a),8, 9, 86(1), 355 and 451 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol II Laws of Rivers state of Nigeria 1999.

The Counsel to the defendant urged the court to grant bail to his Client since his offence is a bail-able offence and also to enable them settle their issues amicably since they are Kinsmen.

The Magistrate, Sokari Andrew-Jaja granted bail to the suspect in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety.

He said the surety must be resident in Port Harcourt and must be a business man in the post of a manager. He also said the surety must present his identity card and an evidence of tax payment for 2017 and 2018.

He adjourned the matter till November 21, for hearing.

Leave a Reply