…As FIDA calls for justice
By Michael Ita
The police in Rivers State have arraigned four persons before a Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt, the state capital for alleged child theft.
The suspects are Cyprian Nwanozie Obidiro, Bridget Onugha, Sunny Osanime and Love Nwachukwu.
They are standing trial before Senior Magistrate R.C Oguguo of Senior Magistrate Court 15 on four count charge.
Police prosecutor, Sergeant Amaechi Onyekwere told the court that the four suspects and others at large committed the crime on November 11, 2016 at Poultry Road, Oyigbo West in Rivers State.
According to the charge sheet with reference number PMC/2345c/2016, one of the charge reads thus: That you Cyprian Nwanozie Obidiro (m), Bridget Onugha (f), Sunny Osanime (m) and Love Nwachukwu (f) and others at large on the 11th day of October, 2016, at Poultry Road, Oyigbo West, Rivers State, in the Port Harcourt Magisterial District did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony wit: child stealing and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516 A of the Criminal Code Laws, Cap 37, Vol.2, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999.
The magistrate has however, adjourned the matter to February 16, 2017 for hearing.
Meanwhile, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Rivers State Chapter has called for justice in the matter.
FIDA’s representative in the matter, Mrs. Rita O. Mebaghandu (Esq), Programs Director Civil Centre for Peace Justice and Development also active member of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) who leading other members to court, spoke with PHspectator said the organization is representing the mothers of the children, stressing that the organization demands nothing short of justice in the case so as to serve as a deterrent to others.
Others who also appeared with her unbehalf of FIDA Rivers State include, Gift Sovins, E.N Achor, U.S Okampa, Daba Iketubosin F.N Festus-Ifode and P.I Green.
