Jude Chukwudi Odimegwu and Nwokolo Chukwudi Maxwell are being detained by the Anambra state high court in Nnewi.
The duo are believed to be linked to the disappearance of Chief Obiora Agbasimelo.
Chief Agbasimelo was the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2021 Anambra State election.
The suspects are facing criminal charges related to his abduction during a campaign tour in Lilu, Ihiala local government area.
Background
On September 18, 2021, in Lilu, Ihiala LGA, the accused assailants attacked and caused the disappearance of Obiorah Agbasimalo, the Labour Party candidate in the 2021 governorship elections.
This is according to the charge sheet.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier brought charges against the accused individuals.
The charges were brought before a Magistrate court in Awka under Charge No. MAW/506/2022, accusing them of conspiracy and kidnapping.
Subsequently, they were detained in prison custody without entering a plea.
The court then instructed the police to transfer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal guidance.
Subsequently, the DPP filed the same two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping against the duo.
They alleged that the accused persons kidnapped Obiorah Agbasimalo while armed with firearms and other offensive weapons.
Reportedly, they demanded a ransom of N7 million from his family, for his release.
The offense are in contravention of Sections 495(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, and 315(2)(a)(b)(c) of the Criminal Code (Amended) Law of Anambra State of Nigeria, 2009.
At the proceeding, the state prosecuting counsel, Charity Madukaife, an Assistant Director of Prosecution, and Chima Gift, who represented the first defendant Jude Chukwudi Odimegwu were present.
However, the legal counsel for Nwokolo Maxwell was notably absent.
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Court’s Decision
Justice C N Mbonu-Nwenyi in his ruling, issued a stern warning against further unwarranted delays.
He noted that the responsibility for prolonging the case rested with the defence and not the court.
He ordered the continued remand of the suspects in custody, and adjourned the proceedings until October 27, 2023.
