Trial Commences for Three Former Soldiers and 10 Others Accused of Robbery
Dennis Naku and Faith Kordoo
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has started the trial of three former soldiers and ten other individuals accused of armed robbery, burglary, and receiving stolen property.
The suspects were charged by the Nigeria Police Force with armed robbery, burglary, and receipt of stolen property.
On May 27, 2024, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko announced the arrest of the 13 suspects, including the former soldiers, for their alleged involvement in armed robbery, hijacking food trucks, and diverting them to other locations. Among the arrested individuals was a member of the syndicate and an operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Iringe-Koko stated that the arrests followed a thorough investigation, initiated after a suspected burglary in a private warehouse in Elimgbu community, Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area. Consequently, the Nigerian Army dismissed the implicated soldiers.
During Wednesday’s hearing, prosecuting counsel F. D. Sokari, representing the Inspector General of Police, presented their first witness, Emmanuel Nwogu. Nwogu testified and consented to his extrajudicial statement being submitted as evidence.
However, the defense counsel, Monday Stephen-Akpekon, objected, arguing that they had not received the complainant’s written statement on oath, a crucial document. This led to the prosecution requesting an adjournment.
Presiding Judge Justice G. O. Ollor instructed the prosecuting counsel to ensure the necessary documents are submitted before the next hearing. The case was adjourned to July 17, 2024.
Outside the courtroom, defense counsel Monday Stephen-Akpekon asserted the innocence of his client, West Isaac, criticizing the Nigerian Army for dismissing him without proper investigation. Stephen-Akpekon explained that Isaac, a former soldier, was on medical leave from fighting Boko Haram in the North-East and was wrongfully accused of armed robbery without any evidence of him possessing a weapon.
Prosecuting counsel F. D. Sokari highlighted the progress in the case, noting that while initially 13 suspects were charged, one was removed due to severe illness. The case now involves 12 defendants, with the court set to reconvene on July 17, 2024, and continue proceedings on October 2 and 16, 2024, including the cross-examination of the first witness.
Sokari expressed optimism about the prosecution’s progress in the case involving armed robbery, burglary, and receiving stolen property.
