By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
An Anambra State Magistrate Court sitting in Ogidi Idemili North Council Area, presided over by Magistrate O.M Kanu has adjourned till May 16, 2019, a case of conspiracy, felony and assault among others, brought before it against some immediate past leaders of the Peoples Club of Nigeria, Onitsha branch.
The State Commissioner of Police has approached the court against Chief Lawrence Arinze, Chief Reuben Okpala, Dr. Michael Ikegulu, Chief Ikechukwu Iwuoha and Mr. Ferdinand Onuoha, all former executive members of the Onitsha Branch of the club.
The crime in question was committed against one Chief John Onwuazor, the Chairman of Peoples Club of Nigeria, Onitsha Branch where he was allegedly beaten and his phones valued at one hundred thousand naira carted away.
In the course of taking action against them in a law court, a bench warrant was issued by the magistrate when the defendants failed to appear before him, consequent upon which the two of the defendants later appeared before him.
When the case came up for hearing, two of the defendants were docked, while Counsel to the defendants pleaded that one of them has a partial stroke which incapacitated him from attending court session.
Two other defendants are still at large as at the time of filing this report.
Magistrate Kanu asked their lawyer to caution them against eluding justice as the law will always prevail at the end.
Speaking to our correspondent, Counsel to the Complainant, Chief Jideofor Okongwu said that as a law abiding citizen, his client followed the process of law to ensure that justice is served.
Chief Okongwu who is the Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, Anaocha Branch, expressed satisfaction at the way the matter is being handled so far.
Chief Onwuazor in his reaction explained saying that as the Chairman of the Club Branch, he discovered that a group of people forced their way into the Club’s premises, holding a meeting without his approval.
He alleged that it was in the process of using his phones to get their shots, that they pounced on him, beat him up and collected his mobile appliances.
The International President of People’s Club of Nigeria, Chief Joe Ilonze while corroborating the story, added that the group had no right, no matter the guise, to use the club’s premises without their consent.
The lawyer making appearances for the defendants declined speaking to the press on the matter.
