By Mandy Tina
A Port Harcourt High Court, presided over by Justice Sika Aprioku, has acquitted and discharged Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Kelvin Anugwo, and 42 others who were on trial for the murder of late Ahoada Divisional Police Officer, SP Bako Amgbashim, who was killed in September last year.
The accused persons were on trial for a four-count charge including cultism, armed robbery, murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
During the court proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecution, C.F. Amadi, informed the court that there was no prima facie case established against the accused persons, indicating they had no case to answer.
Justice S.H. Aprioku, in delivering the ruling, relied on the advice from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution and consequently discharged and acquitted the accused persons
Speaking with our correspondent, Ekashie Saturday Emehi, counsel to the 37th defendant, said that the ruling demonstrates the innocence of the accused and enables them to resume their normal duties.
“They were brought to court on the issue relating to the death of former DPO, Ahoada West Divisional Police, who was murdered on the 8 September, 2023, and on that note he was arrested on the guise of invitation that the DC operations wanted to see him.
“As far as this matter is concerned, what it means by prima facie case not being established is the person is not connected to that case. On that note, he is free and he has full liberty to handle his own affairs and not come to this matter”.
Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, Eze Kelvin Anugwo, described the ruling as a victory for justice for the people of the area.
