The suspected 182 political thugs/election riggers imported from Osun state. who were napped by the Operation Puff Adder of the Imo State Police command on Thursday 14th of November 2013 were yesterday granted bail by the Magistrate Court 2 sitting in Owerri.
Their bail came after the suspects had pleaded not guilty in all five (5) count charges brought by the prosecuting counsel led by E E Ogbodu. Deputy Legal Director INEC, C.I Obi of Imo Police command who substituted their earlier charges Ow/503/13 and Ow/51yc/13 with an amended charge Ow/520/13 which was not apposed by the defendants counsel, led by Barr Uche Onyeaguocha.
However, it was Barr Onyeaguocha that asked the court to grant the suspects bail as they are innocent until they are proved guilty citing section 36 sub section (5) of the constitution. Barr Ogbodu opposed the application arguing that it will be very difficult to get the suspects back to court considering their large number but averred that if it will be granted, it will be with stringent conditions.
Earlier, Barr C N Akobudu of the Directorate for public prosecution had applied to the court to take over the prosecution of the charges. Which Barr Ogbodu objected maintaining that the charges are federal offences, submitting that the National Assembly empowered only INEC officials or their hired counsel to handle such charges concerning electoral issues.
The presiding magistrate, Mrs Maureen Onyewuotu, in her ruling averred that the changes are bailable offences, as the suspects remain as innocent until proven otherwise. She went ahead to grant the suspects bail of fifty thousand naira each (N50,000) and two sureties. The proceeding was adjourned to the 5th of February 2014.
