By Praise Chinecherem
Eleven members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have been arraigned before an Amawbia Chief Magistrates’ Court in Awka, Anambra State for alleged conspiracy, impersonation and forgery.
The defendants are Chidi Orakwue, Alagwu Odife, Ezeibe Kenechi, Nzekwe Chidi, Ifeanyi Nworah, Victormary Anuna, Okam Ifeanyi, Okaka Chukwunonso, Nwalutu Patrick, Igbokwe Ugochukwu, and Nwankwo Onyebuchi.
They were facing a six-count charge of conspiracy, altering of document, forgery, impersonation, malicious damage of NULGE property, and placing the Union’s President in fear of physical injury and anxiety.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police prosecutor, CSP Chuka Nwezi, said the life of the Anambra State Chairman of NULGE, Mr Adigwe Chikwelu, was under siege and attack.
He said the defendants kept attacking and issuing death threats to the NULGE president even when the matter was under investigation.
He said the offences contravened Sections 495(a), 443(1), 495(a) and 415(1) of the Criminal Laws of Anambra State, 1991 as well as Section 6(1) of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law of Anambra, 2017.
While praying the court to give the matter an accelerated hearing, the prosecutor also urged the court to give an order for the remand of the defendants in the interest of peace.
Responding, Defense Counsel, Basil Aguigwo, said the charges were bailable offenses and that the Magistrate’s Court had jurisdiction to grant such bail.
According to him, all the defendants were civil servants on Grade Levels 14 and 15 respectively and would not disobey court summons.
Chief Magistrate Nonyelum Anyaegbunam, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case until Sept. 12 for hearing, urging the parties to be of good behavior pending the outcome of the matter.
