Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has remanded nine persons in the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre for their alleged involvement in the kidnap of an Equatorial Guinea Vessel in May 2020.
The nine suspects (six Nigerians and three foreign nationals) are standing trial on seven-count charge bothering on kidnapping, possession of firearm and terrorism.
Prosecutors from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation said the nine persons conspired and facilitated the payment of two hundred thousand dollars as a ransom for the kidnapped crew members of the Equatorial Guinea Vessel MV ELOBEY VI.
The Lead Prosecutor for the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, S.N.Labaran during the court proceedings asked the court to remand the nine accused persons at the correctional centre pending the determination of the suit.
In her response, the lawyer of the nine persons and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Abimbola Akeredolu, opposed the motion of the prosecutor and applied for the bail of her clients.
The presiding judge I.M.SANI after entertaining the arguments of the lawyers fixed 10th of August for ruling on the bail application.
Our correspondent reports that the court also adjourned the case to August 10th, 111th, and 12th for trial.
Speaking outside the court, the Lead Prosecutor for the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, S.N.LABARAN said the offence committed by the nine persons is a threat to national security.
He noted many investors are leaving the country due to the numerous security challenges facing the maritime sector in the country.
In her comment, the lawyer of the nine persons, ABIMBOLA AKEREDOLU, SAN, said the Federal Government was wrong to detain the nine persons for three months without trial.
She said that such cannot happen in advanced countries.
