Police arraign man for burning down Rivers school building

By Brave Dickson

The Rivers State Police Command has arraigned one Leedee Gbaanador before Chief Magistrate, Nneka Eze-Obuzor for setting fire on a school building belonging to the state government.

The incident was said to have happened in Ban-Ogoi in Tai Local Government Area of the state in the company of some accomplices now at large.

Other properties of the state government also damaged in the arson include; computers, chairs among others.

The defendant is now standing trial for conspiracy and arson which both offenses are punishable under sections 516 A (1) and 443 (A) of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol 11, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria, respectively.

In charge number: PMC/1280c/2020, the defendant, “did willingly and unlawfully burnt a school building, ceiling sheets, zinc, iron chairs, computer sets, and other items valued N3million, all property of the state government.”

The prosecutor, Inspector Aaron Nsirem did not oppose to the bail application of the defendant by his lawyer but insisted that a credible surety must be provided, adding that the defendant should also be tried in absentia if he fails to come to court.