Ugborodo Crisis Latest: Court refuses bail application of Femi Falana

The Federal High Court sitting in Warri Monday December 23, 2013 refused the bail application filed by fiery Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana(SAN) on behalf of the four Ugborodo indigenes remanded in Warri Prison by the Presiding Magistrate of Magistrate Court 1, Warri, Chief Magistrate Ena Odjugo for lack of jurisdiction.

In his ruling, the Presiding Judge of the Federal High Court, Warri, Justice Mohammed Shittu Abubakar hinged the court’s decision on the need to allow the Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Ajuyah(SAN) study the application for bail by Mr. Femi  Falana on behalf of the detained spiritual head of Ugborodo, Mr. Benson Omadeli and three others.

Justice Abubakar later adjourned further hearing on the application for January 16, 2014.

Mr. Femi Falana had in a 6-paragraph motion filed for the bail on behalf of the four detainees, challenging their continuous detention in prison.

The refusal to grant bail to the four Ugborodo indigenes that have been in Warri Prison following their re-arrest within few hours after they were first arrested at Ugborodo Friday November 22, 2013 and released on the orders of the police high command is coming following two earlier failed bail attempts.

Fresh Angle gathered from a very credible source that the on-going legal tussle between the Chief Thomas Ereyitomi  leadership  allegedly being backed by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan  and Hon. David Tonwe faction enjoying the strong support of the member representing Warri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju may linger for a long time, with the four Ugborodo indigenes likely to spend  more time in prison unless Hon. David Tonwe  bows to a strong condition allegedly handed down to him by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The Governor had purportedly told the former Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government, Hon. David Tonwe to stay out of Ugborodo politics for the next ten years; the period the proposed gas project in Ugborodo area will last, as a condition to release the community spiritual head (Olaja-Orori) Mr. Benson Dube Omadeli alongside the three other detainees.

Our Senior Correspondent who was at the Federal High Court premises in Warri GRA as early as 7: am Monday December 23, reports that over 50 Ugborodo indigenes including elders, women and youths most of whom are allegedly backing the David Tonwe faction were seen at the court premises with high expectations.

Popular Warri Chief, businessman and activist, Ayirimi Emami who is strongly with the Chief Thomas Ereyitomi leadership alongside youths loyal to him were also at the court premises.

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