A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has issued an order restraining the Nigerian Police from re-arresting and taking to Abuja any suspect already standing trial in the murder of former Ahoada Divisional Police Officer, SP Bako Angbashim.
The court, presided over by Justice Sika Aprioku, also issued an order standing any move or plans to move the case files of the murder charge of SP Angbashim to the Abuja High Court.
Justice Aprioku commended the prosecution team of the Nigerian Police and the Rivers State Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, led by C.F. Amadi, who insisted that only those whose cases have been established in the case file can be tried after amending the charges.
The trial judge frowned at a situation where some suspects in the murder case are already facing charges for the murder of the late police officer in Abuja when the main case file is already in a Rivers State High Court.
He insisted that such is not only illegal but a breach of court processes, citing Section 67 of the administration of criminal justice.
Justice Aprioku, before adjourning to the 15th of March, 2024, for a hearing on the suit, advised counsels who have any applications, especially bail applications, to liaise with the DPP or the police on the way forward.