Court Restrains Rivers Govt From Arresting Secondus, Other PDP Members

Uche Secondus

The Rivers State Government has been restrained by a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt from arresting any opposing member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  in the state.

Justice A.T Ibrahim issued the order against the Police and Department of State Services, following a motion ex parte filed by some members of the PDP in the state.

Justice Ibrahim ordered the Rivers State Government and other respondents to maintain the status quo until the determination of the suit.

The appellants in the suit are former National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, Senator Lee Maeba, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Senator Geroge Sekibo, Celestine Omehia, Austin Opara, among others.

They accused the Rivers State government of harassing and intimidating their supporters.

Recall that a group, the Atiku Support Organization had alleged that 30 of its members were arrested in the GRA axis of Port Harcourt while in a meeting to prepare for the proposed campaign visit of the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to Rivers State.

A few days later the police through its spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko said operatives raided criminal hideouts and arrested 32 suspected cultists in two different locations.

Over 20 of those arrested were later arraigned in a Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt presided over by Chief Magistrate Collins Ali.

The court after refusing bail applications by the defence counsel directed that the suspects be remanded in the Correctional Centre, before adjourning the proceedings to March 22, 2023, for bail consideration.