THE Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of
Biafra, MASSOB, has petitioned the National Judicial Commission, NJC, over
continued detention of 19 of its members, including a cripple, in prison
custody since April, 2007.
The detained MASSOB members are Sebastian Amadi, Ikechukwu
Chikwem, Peter Igbokwe, Uchenna Nicholas, Uche Idika, Casmir Odokara, Eni Kalu,
Chidiebere Ekwem, Chima Asoh (cripple), Ojimba Anyanwu, Ndubuisi Okanu, Emmanuel Orji, Michael
Okezie, Ikechukwu Aghari, Mmaduabuchi Asika, Chinwike Irondi, Chukwuma Kalu,
Innocent Orji and Onyekachi Orji (female). MASSOB leader, Mr. Uchenna Madu told
reporters in Awka yesterday that continuous adjournment of their case at the
Federal High Court, Awka has complicated the matter, adding that many of them
have become very sick.
The affected persons are facing a seven-count charge
bordering on treason, acts of terrorism and kidnapping. When their case came up
in Awka, the presiding judge was absent and the affected MASSOB members cried
and wailed, wondering why they should be in detention for nine years without
being granted bail. Madu said:
“The pro-Biafra members have been languishing in
prison since 2007. Three judges have handled the matter, yet they were not
granted bail. Justice Peter Olayiwola started the matter and handed over to
Justice Ojukwu before Justice M.I. Abubakar took over. Justice Abubakar was
later transferred to Abakaliki, yet he has not allowed the new Judge in Awka to
handle the matter as he comes occasionally from Abakaliki to preside over the
MASSOB case. “Since nine years, the prosecution has called only three witnesses
and our lawyer has not been allowed to call any witness. What surprised us was
that the judge said he would transfer the case file from Awka to Abakaliki
which, to us, will make the attendance to court sittings more difficult for
us.”
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