Seven suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra were remanded in Aba prison for alleged murder and arson by a Magistrates’ Court sitting in Aba, Abia State.

The suspects are Chinonso Ude, Maduabuchi Echereodo, Ukochukwu Ikechukwu, Okechukwu Daniel, Okezie Jeremiah , Chizuruoke Nwanmuo and Ifeanyi Sunday.

The Prosecutor, ASP Gabriel Ogbonna, said that on Sept 15 they also allegedly conspired and murdered one ASP Cyril Nwosu at Ariaria. He said that they committed murder, arson, kidnapping, causing breach of peace, burning of vehicles and destruction of property of the police and belonged to IPOB, a proscribed organisation.

In his argument, Mr Charles Onuchukwu, counsel to Ude, Echerodo and Okezie, said the court lacked jurisdiction to hear murder, kidnapping and terrorism cases. Onuchukwu urged the court to delete the three offences and grant his clients bail. Ogbonna opposed the application maintaining that the court has powers to direct the action to be taken in the given circumstance.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ogbonna Adiele, ordered the remand of the accused persons in Aba Federal Prison and adjourned the matter until Sept. 27, for ruling.

(NAN)​