The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) factional chairman, Edozie Njoku, was arrested on Monday, April 17, 2023, at the premises of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Bwari, Abuja.
The arrest followed a complaint by the prosecution lawyer, Ezekiel Rinamsomte, who accused Njoku of verbally threatening him before the commencement of a criminal case filed against him.
According to Rinamsomte, Njoku waved at him and shook his hand before threatening him, saying he would send calamity upon calamities upon his family, members of his family would die, and he would deal with him.
Rinamsomte further alleged that Njoku claimed he was a dangerous man who was responsible for the removal and dismissal of the Director of Litigation of the Supreme Court, Mr Dikko, and that he was going to shake the Nigerian Police Force.
After the complaint was lodged at the Bwari Divisional Police Station, Njoku was arrested and brought before Justice Mohammed Madugu, who had already closed proceedings on the suit.
Rinamsomte informed the judge of what had transpired, and Njoku admitted exchanging pleasantries with Rinamsomte but denied threatening him.
Njoku said he only said that anyone who lied against him and sent someone to prison by telling a lie would face calamity.
He denied making any comments about the late Onyechi Ikpeazu’s daughter or threatening Rinamsomte.
The prosecutor sought to withdraw the amended charge filed against Njoku and his co-defendant, Chukwuemeka Nwoga, and the defence counsel did not oppose it.
The judge granted the prayer, and the Deputy National Secretary of APGA, Godwin Odu, gave his testimony as the first prosecution witness.
The judge adjourned the matter until April 27, 2023, for trial continuation after cross-examination of the PW1. Njoku was released later at the police station after Rinamsomte withdrew the case.
Njoku and Nwoga were arraigned on November 28, 2022, on a 14-count criminal charge bordering on forgery.
They were accused of forging a Supreme Court judgment and the letterhead paper of retired Justice Mary Peter-Odili.
The charge, marked CR/12/2022 and dated October 21, accused the defendants of conspiring with others to forge a judgment of the Supreme Court.
They pleaded not guilty to the entire 14-count charge and were remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre, granted bail on December 12, 2022, with the condition of providing two sureties in like sum.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
