Ikedi Ohakim, former governor of Imo state, and one Chinedu Okpareke failed to appear before a federal high court in Abuja to be arraigned on charges bordering on harassment and cybercrime.
The inspector-general of police (IGP) had preferred a five-count charge against the defendants.
According to the charge sheet seen by TheCable, the former governor and his co-accused were said to have threatened to release the nude photograph of one Chinyere Amuchienwa if she fails to drop the charges of attempted kidnap against them.
However, in a statement on Friday, Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to the former governor, described the allegations as “trumped-up”, adding that his client was yet to be served a hearing notice regarding the charges.
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At the court session on Monday, Stanley Nwodo, police counsel, said he was surprised by the absence of the defendants. He said the defendants were duly informed about the arraignment.
Responding, Emeka Etiaba, counsel to Okpareke, told the court that “the first defendant is not in court because he was not served with the hearing notice”, adding that “the prosecution would have to do the needful”.
Nevertheless, Etiaba said he will inform his client and produce him in court following the judge’s instruction.
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In a short ruling, Taiwo Taiwo, the judge, said: “The court would overlook the absence of the defendants in court today because it is the duty of the prosecution to present them in court.
“They must be produced in court at the next adjourned date for arraignment and possible commencement of trial if time permits.”
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