From Paul Ibe, Enugu
Absence of the prosecuting counsel has stalled the arraignment of 12 members of the Biafra Zionist Movement at the Federal High Court, Enugu. They were arrested and detained over an allegation of treasonable felony
It was gathered that as early as 8am on Thursday, members of the Zionist Movement had stormed the court in their numbers in solidarity with their leaders who had been in detention in Abuja for over four months.
Attorney General of the federation, Mohammed Adoki is prosecuting the accused on behalf of the federal government.
HOMELAND NEWS reports that the suspects were moved to Enugu two days before the trial yet, the prosecution was absent from court.
Defense counsel who is also the South-East zonal director of the Civil Liberties Organisation, Olu Omotayo, said he was surprised about the absence of the AGF and his team.
The suspects were arrested in June for allegedly attempting to take over operations at the Enugu State Broadcasting Service radio station for the purpose of making a broadcast.
The accused persons includes, Benjamin Onwuka (Leader of the Movement), Kelvin Eke, Samson Ijaga, Uduma Uduma, Bethrain Obiekwe. Others include Abraham Ugwu, Paulinus Uzoegbu, Fidelis Nwaano,Nnamchi Ndubuisi, Michael Olennya, Jeophet Nwaodo and Aloysius Chukwuma.
The CLO had sued the Federal Government for illegally detaining the 12 suspect. Mr. Omotayo argued that the suit filed by the government is not because it was diligent to prosecute but just to frustrate the CLO matter on Abuse of fundamental human rights of citizens.
Trial judge, Justice V Agishi adjuoured the matter to November 19.
