By Tina Amanda
A Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt presided over by Chief Magistrate Rosemary Ibanibo, has declined jurisdiction in the case of attempted murder and cultism against Deele Akpobari, popularly known as “Bob Satan.”
Akpobari is alleged to be one of the suspects involved in the attempted murder of Chief Gani Topba, leader of the Conscience of Ogoni People.
The incident reportedly occurred on March 12, 2023, when Chief Topba was ambushed while returning from his community, Zaakpo in Khana Local Government Area, to Port Harcourt. He was shot multiple times and left in critical condition.
During the court proceedings, Chief Magistrate Ibanibo cited the charge and information filed by the Department of Public Prosecution and ruled that the matter was beyond the jurisdiction of the Magistrate Court. She advised the suspect to seek bail at the State High Court, which has the authority to hear and decide on such cases.
Meanwhile, a murder, cultism, and illegal firearms possession case against Confidence Kirinee, popularly known as “General Illa,” along with Precious Mona, Loveday Legah, and Soniabari Sagha, has been stalled before the Bori High Court in Port Harcourt.
The suspects are accused of kidnapping and killing Muenalo Sunday, a pharmacist. Reports allege that the victim was beheaded, and his body was mutilated before his remains were dumped in a pit, while his head was taken to a shrine in a nearby community.
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During the court hearing, prosecution counsel Precious Ordu, a Chief State Counsel, informed the court that the defense counsel was absent and had not been served with the witness deposition report. This delay prevented the commencement of the defense proceedings.
Presiding Judge Justice Augusta Kingsley-Chukwu, after considering the submissions, adjourned the case to February 26, 2025, for the opening of the defense.
