Court orders arrest of IPOB youth leader

A magistrate court sitting in Aba, commercial capital of Abia State, has issued arrest warrant against one Mr. Akasonye Pascal Okechukwu.

The order of the court was sequel to Okechukwu’s failure to appear before the Court to answer charges made against him by Nigeria Police which borders on terrorism charges.

The accused person, from Ideato North Area Council of Imo State, has failed on three occasions to appear for arraignment.

The arrest warrant was issued on Thursday, 1st February, 2022, in Aba, with Charge Number A/ 320©/2022 between Commissioner of Police and Akasonye Pascal Okechukwu.

Our correspondent recalls that Mr. Akasonye Pascal Okechukwu, a youth leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and his group were partying in a local beer parlour in the World Bank Housing Estate axis of Aba when a combined team of the Police and Army swooped on them and arrested some of the leaders of the separatist group.

During the fracas that ensued, 6 people were feared dead and many injured.

At least 20 of the suspected IPOB members were arrested.

The arrest sparked wide condemnation by residents of the state and sympathisers of IPOB.

During the arraignment of the accused persons, the Police Prosecutor told the Magistrate that the 2-count charge against Akasonye and 20 others bothered on conspiracy and treasonable felony, which is punishable under section 18(a) of the Anti Terrorism Act 2010.

The Magistrate who refused to grant the accused persons bail adjourned the case to 28th March, 2022, for further mention.

The accused persons, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, had no legal representation during the arraignment.

Meanwhile Akasonye has been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police for failing to appear before the Court.