The Federal High Court in Asaba has arraigned and granted bail to former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ogwashi-Uku branch, Barrister Francis Okolie aka Mayor Okolie, who faces a series of grave charges, including terrorism.
Alongside three co-defendants including Mr. Ojo Eugene Izediunor, John Nwaona, and Eluemunor Adigwe, Barrister Okolie, also known as “Mayor of Ogwashi-Uku,” was arraigned under Case No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024, facing a seven-count indictment encompassing terrorism, attempted murder, instigating native conflicts, malicious property damage, and destruction of police vehicles.
Presiding over the case, Honourable Justice Agbaje Olufunmilola accepted the defendants’ not guilty pleas before considering their bail applications.
Following a brief adjournment, Justice Olufunmilola granted bail under strict conditions: each defendant must post a bond of 5 million Naira, supported by sureties with real estate holdings within the court’s jurisdiction.
Additionally, the court ordered that the defendants remain within Nigeria for the duration of the trial, with sureties required to surrender their international passports and provide verified property documents.
Failure to meet these conditions would result in remand in prison custody or the custody of their respective counsel.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the charges stem from an alleged attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in October 2023.
According to local reports, Mr. Mike Nwaukoni is accused of organizing the defendants, along with armed associates, in a coordinated effort to seize control of the Obi’s Palace.
The attackers reportedly discharged firearms at palace staff, community vigilantes, and police officers stationed at the palace gate under Mr. Nwaukoni’s direction.
During the confrontation, a vigilante member reportedly sustained a gunshot wound on the head, and numerous individuals suffered various injuries.
Additionally, the Hilux truck of the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, along with several vigilante vehicles, were reportedly damaged by the defendants and their armed accomplices. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the incident occurred in broad daylight.
Further investigations reveal that multiple individuals involved in the incident remain at large, including suspects identified as Papa Esedebe, Chidinma Ofuasi, and Emeka Izediunor. Law enforcement sources indicate that arrest warrants have been issued for these fleeing suspects.
In a related development, the Inspector General of Police has filed charges under Charge No. MO/124C/2024 at the magistrate court Ogwashi-Uku against several individuals, including Mayor Okolie, Uchenna Agummadu, Chukwuede Nduka, Victor Ohakwusie, Augustine Utulu, Pastu Obi, Eche Morph, and a man known as “Tallest.”
These charges include causing grievous harm under Section 516 of the Criminal Code and actions likely to incite public disorder. The alleged actions pertain to unlawful entry onto a contested property.
Reports indicate that Barrister Okolie has been openly claiming that his close connection to Honourable Justice K.O. Okpu of the Delta State High Court in Ogwashi-Uku will secure him an ex-parte injunction.
This order, he asserts, would be issued under a fundamental rights suit aimed at preventing police from compelling him to appear in Magistrate Court for his trial—essentially granting him immunity from arrest and prosecution, despite his ongoing charges before the magistrate.
Community sources in Ogwashi-Uku confirm that Barrister Okolie faces multiple police petitions, including allegations of fraud and land appropriation.
Legal experts assert that Okolie’s ex-parte application seeks to obstruct the magistrate court’s constitutional role and power, raising serious concerns over an attempted perversion of justice through judicial influence.
