Judges On The Run As Gunmen Invade Court In Anambra
Proceedings at the High and Magistrate courts in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State were temporarily disrupted recently as judges and magistrates abandoned their case files and other belongings and ran for their dear lives when some armed men invaded the court premises shooting sporadically into the air.
The gun-wielding men were suspected to have been hired by an accused, who was standing trial on a 11-count charge ranging from stealing, conspiracy to unlawful assault and threat to kill, among others.
The accused, who was brought to the court by the Umuchu Police Division was said to have been a thorn in the flesh of the citizens of Umuchu town.
The police had alleged that the man and other people currently at large, threatened one Arinze Chukwu and assaulted one Ikechukwu Mmaduako at the same place, and stole their property, valued N238, 500.
As the case progressed in Magistrate Court 2, some armed men stormed the court premises shooting sporadically. Unconfirmed sources alleged that the men were at the court on a failed bid to abduct three key prosecution witnesses in the trial of the accused described as head of a vigilance group in the community.
Meanwhile, the matter has been fixed for November 19 for hearing as the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him in English and interpreted to him in Igbo language by the court registrar.
