A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has granted pardon to one Chief Vincent Nnamdi-Otto who was sentenced to one month imprisonment for contemptuous action and threat to life during a court sitting.
Chief Nnamdi-Otto while being cross-examined from the witness box on a disputed land case, reportedly shouted at the Presiding Judge, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, and walked out of the witness box.
He also requested to know the judge’s interest in the matter and threatened to deal with all parties involved in the suit.
Justice Enebeli after watching the drama displayed by the witness, ordered that he be put back into the witness box, noting that the witness carried out actions liable to be committed to prison for contempt.
The Judge thereafter remanded Chief Nnamdi-Otto to one month imprisonment, while the case was adjourned to 17th May, 2021 for continuation of cross examination.
Justice Enebeli, however, ordered that the convict be brought to court after he has spent fifteen days in prison following an apology letter by the Chief and a motion filed by the Counsel Jerry Amadi, pleading for the bail of his client or fine equivalent for the remaining days he is to spend in prison.
The Judge in his ruling, granted pardon to the convict without awarding fine and expressed optimism that the pardon will make Chief Nnamdi-Otto have respect for people, rule of law and become a better person.
