By Tina Amanda
A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Victor Ugorji, has transferred the case of attempted murder and cultism against Deele Akpobari to Justice Augusta Chukwu’s court.
Akpobari, who is facing a three-count charge, had his case reassigned following an application by Chief State Counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Precious Ordu. The defense had opposed the request, but their objections were overruled.
Ordu argued that the case should be transferred to a court already handling a similar matter to allow for consolidation and ensure a speedy hearing. Following this decision, the trial of Leesor Kpugisere and Leeka Dele-Manapo, also facing charges of murder and cultism, was similarly moved to Justice Chukwu’s court.
The accused individuals, including Deele Akpobari, also known as Bob Satan, Saviour Robbert (aka Timberland), Leesor Kpugisere, and Leeka Dele-Manapo, are being tried for cultism and the attempted murder of Chief Gani Topba, leader of the Conscience of Ogoni People.
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The attack occurred on March 12, 2023, when Topba was ambushed and shot multiple times while returning to his community, Zaakpa, in Khana Local Government Area.
Before this latest court transfer, Akpobari had sought bail from a state high court after a magistrate’s court declined jurisdiction over the case. However, Justice Ibetela Obu denied the bail request after the prosecution informed the court that the case had already been filed in another court.
The trial will now proceed under Justice Augusta Chukwu, as the state seeks to consolidate all related cases for efficient prosecution.
