By Our Reporter
Tension flared at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday as the protracted security crisis in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom took a new turn with the arraignment of Patrick Izu Osammor and Augustine Nwafor Ashi. The duo, who had spent close to two months in custody, were brought before the court in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/594/2025 on allegations bordering on an organised plot to destabilise the kingdom.
Osammor and Ashi, earlier held at Keffi Prison, are facing weighty accusations tied to what investigators describe as orchestrated activities capable of breaching peace in the troubled community.
Courtroom Tension as Police, Defence Clash Over Bail
What began as a routine bail hearing soon escalated into a heated legal contest, with defence counsel, Barrister Steve Emelieze, urging the court to consider the advanced ages of the defendants—70 and 72 years—as grounds for bail.
Police counsel, Barrister A.S. Oyeyemi, appearing for the Inspector General of Police, opposed the application forcefully, warning against the use of age as a sympathetic shield in criminal trials.
“The law does not pander to sentiments of age. Age is not a recognised ground for granting bail in criminal proceedings.”
He argued that the gravity of the allegations, coupled with ongoing investigations and the risk of interference, justified continued detention.
In a dramatic twist, the court shifted position after Barrister Emelieze volunteered to deposit his Call-to-Bar certificate as personal assurance that the defendants would not abscond. Additional undertakings by respected community figures, including Diokpa Patrick Obi, bolstered the court’s ruling in favour of bail.
Despite the ruling, the defendants were unable to meet the conditions and were led back to Kuje Prison pending perfection of their bail terms. The court fixed 11 March 2025 for commencement of trial and warned that any attempt to undermine public peace or frustrate investigations would attract immediate revocation of bail.
Long-Running Crisis and Factional Undercurrents
The defendants were arrested in October 2025 after months of covert surveillance sanctioned by the Police High Command. They are alleged to be central actors in a network accused of incitement, misinformation, and mobilisation efforts aimed at unsettling Ogwashi-Uku.
Both men are known supporters of the Umu Obi Dieyi faction, which has repeatedly challenged the legitimacy of the Ogwashi-Uku throne—losing at the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and ultimately the Supreme Court.
The court session drew notable legal figures linked to the faction, including Barr. Victor Nobei and Barr. Francis Okolie. The latter is currently on trial for alleged terrorism relating to the violent October 2023 attack on the Obi’s Palace.
Police Probe Widens
Security sources told our correspondent that investigators are widening the probe to track fresh threats to the life of His Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, and to uncover any link between the current defendants and suspects already facing trial over the 2023 attack.
Attempts by sympathisers to impede the investigation through Fundamental Rights lawsuits have been dismissed by police counsel, who insist that such suits cannot shield suspects from lawful inquiry.
A senior officer, who spoke in Abuja, issued a stern warning:
“The police will pursue every lead. Anyone found instigating communal conflict in Ogwashi-Uku will be arrested and prosecuted. No individual or group is above the law.”
He noted that the Force Headquarters has given investigators full clearance to follow the evidence regardless of social standing or affiliations.
Residents Brace for March Trial
With the trial date now set, many in Ogwashi-Uku are watching closely, hoping the proceedings will finally expose the forces driving the persistent unrest and pave the way for sustainable peace in the kingdom.
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