Slain Rivers DPO: Court Acquits Traditional Ruler, 42 Others Of Murder

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has acquitted a traditional ruler in Rivers State, Eze Ekpeye Logbo, His Royal Majesty Eze Kelvin Anugwo, and 42 others who were on trial for the murder of the late Ahoada Divisional Police Officer Bako Ambashim.

Recall that a few days after SP Ambashim was murdered in cold blood in September 2023, Eze Anugwo, former Ahoada East Local Government Council Chairman Cassidy Ikegbidi and 41 others were charged with cultism, armed robbery, murder, and conspiracy.

When the matter came up in court for continuation of trial on Friday, the Director of Public Prosecution, C.F. Amadi, informed the court that the accused persons have no prima facie case established against them and therefore have no case to answer.

The trial judge, Justice Sika Aprioku, in his ruling, relied on the advice from the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution and hence discharged and acquitted the accused persons.

Speaking outside the courtroom, counsel to 37 of the defendants, Ekashie Saturday-Emehi, said the ruling “shows that the accused are innocent and can go about their normal duties.”

Also speaking, Eze Anugwo described the ruling as “justice for the people of the area.”