The Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday commenced the terrorism and attempted murder trial of Chief Mike Nwaukoni and three others — Francis Okolie, John Nwaona, and Elue Adigwe in a case that has drawn wide public interest across the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
Before the trial opened, the presiding judge ruled on the bail application filed by Chief Akpofure, SAN, counsel to the first defendant, Chief Mike Nwaukoni. The court granted bail under strict conditions, citing the gravity of the charges.
According to the ruling, Chief Nwaukoni must post a ₦25 million bond and provide a surety who owns landed property within the court’s jurisdiction valued at not less than ₦25 million, supported by verifiable title documents. He must also surrender his international passport and remain within the jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted.
The court ordered that the police at Force Headquarters, Abuja, verify the surety’s credentials and prohibited all defendants from contacting prosecution witnesses directly or indirectly. Any breach of the bail terms, the judge warned, would lead to immediate revocation.
As of press time, the defence team was working to meet the bail conditions.
Following the bail ruling, the prosecution — led by Superintendent Simon Mallum from Force Headquarters, Abuja — opened its case by calling its first witness, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Christian Onuegbu.
DSP Onuegbu told the court that he was deployed to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku’s Palace on the day of the alleged incident. He narrated how a crowd reportedly led by Chief Nwaukoni arrived at the palace and clashed with security personnel after being denied entry.
He said members of the group allegedly carried weapons and fired shots when security officers resisted their advance, resulting in injuries and the use of tear gas by police reinforcements to restore order.
Legal observers have described the proceedings as a test of Nigeria’s justice system and security institutions, given the social tensions the case has generated in the Ogwashi-Uku community.
The Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, welcomed the trial, describing it as “a long-awaited opportunity for justice” and a chance to restore peace and confidence in the rule of law across the kingdom.
“The community looks forward to justice being served to ensure lasting peace and order,” he said.
The court adjourned the case to a later date for continuation of trial; the prosecution expected to call more witnesses and present documentary evidence.
The proceedings remain under close watch by the public and the media, which is seen as a defining moment for law, order, and accountability in Ogwashi-Uku.
