Rivers traditional ruler pleads not guilty to kidnapping, murder charges

By Tina Amanda

The Paramount ruler of the Kono-Boue Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Highness, King Taalor Tornwe and three others have pleaded not guilty on twenty-five count charges bothering on conspiracy, cultism, kidnapping, murder and possession of illegal firearms.

King Taalor Tornwe, who is on bail and the three others in prison custody as well as others now at large, were alleged to have, between the year 2019 to 2021, sponsored, killed, kidnapped for ramson and operated as members of a cult group in Kono-Boue Community.

According to our correspondent, when the charges were read out in court, the Defendants pleaded not guilty, and King Tornwe, who is on bail, was allowed to go home, while the three others were asked to be sent back to Port Harcourt Correctional Center.

After listening to the charges and plea, Justice Elsie Thompson adjourned to Friday, 21 July 2023, for the commencement of trial.

The Paramount ruler of the Kono-Boue Community, King Taalor Tornwe, was first arraigned before a Magistrate Court and granted bail with a surety signed by One Diukwe Robert who was later prosecuted when the monarch jumped bail.

King Tornwe was re-arrested and arraigned before moving the case file to the state high court, where he was granted bail on health condition.