A Magistrate Court in Owerri, the Imo State capital, has declined jurisdiction over a suit filed by the Imo State Police Command against Chinonso Uba, a radio broadcast journalist popularly known as Nonsokwa.
Uba is facing a five-count charge, including conspiracy, treason, and arson.
However, Magistrate Adikaibe ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case, preventing the defendant from entering a plea.
Following the ruling, the defense counsel, C.K. Mgbekonye, requested the court to grant Uba bail. However, the prosecuting attorney, N.S. Onwochie, opposed the application, citing Section 93 (1) of the Imo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
He argued that only the High Court has the authority to grant bail in such cases.
The court agreed with the prosecution, declining jurisdiction to hear the charges or grant bail, and ordered the journalist to be remanded at the Owerri Correctional Centre.
Magistrate Adikaibe also reminded the defense team of their right to seek bail for the defendant at the High Court.
The case was adjourned to November 12, 2024, for the Director of Public Prosecution’s report and transmission of the case file.
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