11 NULGE members docked for alleged crimes in Anambra
Eleven members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have been charged at the Amawbia Chief Magistrates’ Court in Awka, the state capital of Anambra state.
The defendants were arraigned on a six-count charge of conspiracy, altering of documents, forgery, impersonation, malicious damage to NULGE property and placing the Union’s president in fear of physical injury and anxiety.
The defendants include Chidi Orakwue, Alagwu Odife, Kenechi Ezeibe, Chidi Nzekwe, Ifeanyi Nworah and Victormary Anuna.
Others are Ifeanyi Okam, Chukwunonso Okaka, Patrick Nwalutu, Ugochukwu Igbokwe and Onyebuchi Nwankwo.
However, they pleaded not guilty to the charges. Meanwhile, the police complainant, Chuka Nwezi, stated that the life of the NULGE president in Anambra, Chikwelu Anigwe, was under siege and attack, added that the defendants did not stop their threat issue even when the matter is being investigated.
She said, “The offences contravened Sections 495(a), 443(1), 495(a) and 415(1) of the Criminal Laws of Anambra, 1991, as well as Section 6(1) of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law of the state, 2017.”
The prosecuting attorney, therefore, prayed to the court to give the matter an accelerated hearing and also urged the court to give an order for the remand of the defendants in the interest of peace.
However, Basil Aguigwo, the defense counsel, mentioned that the offenses are bailable and that the Magistrate Court possessed the grant of jurisdiction. He then prayed before the Chief Magistrate Nonyelum Anyaegbunam of the defendants, who happened to be senior civil servants on grades level 14 and 15.
Due to the plea, Chief Magistrate Anyaegbunam admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
Chief Magistrate Nonyelum Anyaegbunam admitted the defendants bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until 12th September, 2023.
He thereby enjoined them to be of good conduct while awaiting the final judgement.
