By Lukman Olabiyi
Justice Sylvester Popnen of the Rivers State High Court, Port Harcourt, has fixed January 27, 2023, to hear the bail applications filed by three suspects standing trial for the alleged murder of Mr. Chidi Onwukwe.
The defendants, according to the charge marked PHC/667/CR/2022 filed by the Police, are Samuel Onwukwe (1st Defendant) Promise George (2nd Defendant), and Blessed Onyekachi Nathan (3rd Defendant).
Onwukwe, was in January murdered in his home in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt.
The killers made away with his phones, and other valuables. They also transferred money from his bank account.
The defendants were arraigned in early December on a four-count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, illegal possession of arms, and murder.
Following their “not guilty” plea, Justice Popnen fixed December 15, 16, and January 27, to hear the bail applications and for trial.
But the court could not sit on the 15th and 16th following which the registrar of the court on December 16, erroneously issued a new adjournment date of 22nd December, rather than the already scheduled date of January 27.
The judge noted that the previous date of December 22 was fixed in error by the registrar, adding that the correct date is January 27.
Meanwhile, the defendants are in Correctional Services Custody