Posted by By Austin Ogwuda on
TWENTY suspected cultists arrested following spate of clashes between rival cult groups in Asaba were yesterday arraigned before an Asaba Chief Magistrate's court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and threatening breach of the peace.
ASABA - TWENTY suspected cultists arrested following spate of clashes between rival cult groups in Asaba were yesterday arraigned before an Asaba Chief Magistrate's court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and threatening breach of the peace.
No fewer than 40 persons had been arrested since the renewed wave of cult clashes in Asaba last weekend.
The arraigned persons all pleaded not guilty to the charges and were ordered to be remanded in prisons custody. Eight of them were however granted bail by the trial Magistrate, Mrs. H.O. Okonkwo, following an application made by the counsel. Those granted bail were Simeon Okolie (44), Patrick Arinze (39), Gabriel Onowino (62) Obi Ofuasia (65) Arinze Anthony (45), Nnamdi Okwuonose (20), Uche Okobi (35) and Nnamdi Odita (33), while other accused persons are to remain behind bars until November 29, 2005, when their application for bail would be considered.
They are Ibe Ngezeleonye (31), Obodo Silas (22), Okwuchukwu Odiane (21) Samson Olutum (25), Ebielim Osiamgbi (26), Chukwura Bolum (20), Emeka Kiyi (31) and Samson Eze (26) Others are Felix Aninefo (27), Nnamdi Okoachala (25) Nwaka Cletus (24), Alphonsus Adambulu (29), Chinedu Mummyi Nwokolo (19) and Nnamdi Azibiantu (44).
Meanwhile, police have intensified patrol in the troubled spots, especially Ogbe-Eke square and adjoining streets which in recent past had become the battle ground between rival cult groups in Asaba.
Commenting on the issue, the the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Udom Ekpoudom told Vanguard that the greatest headache facing him now is how to tackle the menace of cult activities that had been giving residents sleepless nights.
He said 'the problem we (police) are having now which I am dealing squarely with right now is the problem of cultism especially in Asaba."