11 Biafra Members Remanded In Prison For Treason

11 Biafra Members Remanded In Prison For Treason

Barrister Benjamin Onwukahe, the leader of Biafran Zionists Movement (BZM), and 10 others were on Wednesday, 19 November, remanded in prison for alleged treason.

 

The Tribune reported that they were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on treason and attempt to intimidate and instill fear in President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Sullivan Chime through their activities in BZM.

 

The charge reads: “That you, Benjamin Onwuka (m), of block 3, flat 1, Railway Quarters Enugu, Ndubuisi Nnamushi (m) of No 31C Onuasata Road Enugu, Kelvin Eteh (m) of Emene Isiugu Village Enugu, Japhet Nwodo (m) of Nmoji Village Nkpor Agwu, Anambra State, Paulinus Uzoegbu (m) of No 8 Abakpa street, Okpoko Onitsha Anambra State, Sunday Chukwuma (m) of Agulere Anambra State.

 

Also, Uduma Uduma (m) of Obosi Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Betrand Obiekwu (m) of no 7 Nwafor Lane, Nkpor Agu, Onitsha Anambra State and Ijaga Samson (m) of No 17 Mission Road Nkpor Agu Onitsha, Anambra State, on or about the 8th day of March, 2014 at Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria do commit an illegal act with intent to intimidate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan as president and the governor of Enugu State. You thereby committed an offence contrary to section 37(1) and (2) of the criminal code Act LFN 2004 and punishable under the same section of the same act.”

 

In June, these men forcefully went to the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) with an intention to declare an independent state of Biafra. The suspects plead not guilty to the charges against them, while the Senior State Counsel representing the Attorney-General of the Federation, D. E Kaswe applied for adjournment.