The federal government has brought forth terrorism charges against five individuals, believed to be loyalists of Siminalaye Fubara, for their alleged involvement in the invasion, vandalism, and arson at the Rivers State House of Assembly last year. The charges come amidst political upheaval that gripped Port Harcourt in October.
The accused individuals, identified as Chima Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod, are set to face a 7-count terrorism charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja today. Notably, the immediate past factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Edison Ehie, is also implicated in the charges but is currently at large.
The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024, list Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun as the complainant. The accused are not only accused of burning down the State House of Assembly but are also implicated in the killing of a Superintendent of Police and five police informants in Ahoada community.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Simon Lough, has been assigned to lead the prosecution team in what promises to be a high-profile case. The accused individuals are alleged to have conspired to commit acts of terrorism, including the destruction of public properties and unleashing mayhem on the people of the state using various cult groups.
The charges specifically highlight the events of October 29, 2023, when the accused allegedly conspired to commit acts of terrorism by the wilful destruction of public properties, including the invasion, attack, destruction, and burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
As this case unfolds before Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, it casts a spotlight on the deepening political turmoil in Rivers State and raises questions about the broader implications of these charges on the region's political landscape.
