AGF Takes Over Terrorism Trial of Fubara’s Loyalists, Requests IGP to Hand Over Case File

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has taken over the terrorism trial of five loyalists of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The AGF has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to hand over the case file to his office in the Federal Ministry of Justice for review.

The trial, which has been ongoing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, involves charges against the defendants for allegedly burning the Rivers State House of Assembly and killing a Divisional Police Officer (DPO).

The defendants have denied the charges and are currently remanded in Kuje Prison in Abuja.

During the court proceedings on Tuesday, the AGF’s lawyer, David Kaswe, informed the court that the AGF had not effectively taken over the trial due to the IGP’s failure to comply with the directive to transfer the case file.

Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, presiding over the case, advised that the directive be complied with by the IGP.

The trial has been rescheduled to May 7, 2024, with the defendants to remain in Kuje prison until their next court appearance.

The case has previously faced delays, including one instance where the heavy security presence for the movement of Biafra nation agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, to the Federal High Court in Abuja prevented lawyers from accessing the court.

The defendants are accused of committing the alleged terrorism offences during a period of political upheaval in Port Harcourt last year.

They are charged with using various cult groups to unleash mayhem on the people of the state and their commercial activities.

As the case progresses, the defendants are challenging the competence of the terrorism charges against them and the territorial jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charges.

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both the defendants and the broader political landscape in Rivers State.