A Magistrate court sitting in Port Harcourt has granted bail to 121 Rivers youths who staged a peaceful protest at the gate of the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt.
The youths, led by the state Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo stood trial on five counts, boarding on conspiracy, unlawful assembly and breaching of public peace.
The youths, who mobolised themselves at the gate of the Rivers State Government House to express their solidarity with the Governor, staged a peaceful protest to express their anger against the impeachment attempt on Governor Siminalayi Fubara by some lawmakers at the state assembly.
Operatives of the Police who arrested the youthss on Tuesday, arraigned them in court on Wednesday after accusing them of forcibly entering and vandalising properties at the official residence of Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly at Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.
The Court after entertaining the suit filed by the Police, granted bail to all the defendants including the state legal adviser of the youth group, Chigozie Emem on self recognition as a lawyer.
The Court, presided over by Gift Amadi, declared a bail condition of N100,000 for each defendants, coupled with 20 sureties that would cover all the defendants.
The Magistrate, who adjourned the matter till December 5, 2023 for trial, directed that the defendants’ counsel ensure his clients presence in court on the next adjourned date.
