By CHRISTIAN OGBONNA

A Magistrates’ Court in Abakaliki on Tuesday refused to grant the bail application filed by Mr Chukwuma John, a politician, who is charged with alleged possession of firearm and attempted murder.

John is charged with attempted murder, conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearm and intimidation with weapon.

The Prosecuting Counsel, Insp Bassy Okon, told the court that the defendant, a native of Okposi community committed the offence on March 2, in Okposi-Okwu, Ohaozara local government area of Ebonyi.

Okon noted that the offence is punishable under the Criminal Laws of Ebonyi.

Magistrate Ojemba Isu held that the court did not grant the bail request for want in jurisdiction.

Isu adjourned the matter until May 3 for further hearing.

Earlier, Mr Justus Unigwe, the Defence Counsel, said he was not disturbed by the rejection of the bail.

“Based on the kind of charge brought against my client, this court lack jurisdiction to grant him bail.

“You know, this is a magistrate court, though, in some circumstance, the court is empowered to grant bail but when the charges are mixed up with more difficult charges; the best option is to seek relief in the high court, which is what we are going to do and my client will be free,” Unigwe added.

John, pleaded not guilty and noted that he was arrested and tortured wrongly for what he knows nothing about.

“My hands are clean. I know nothing of what I am being accused of. Please allow me to go and attend to my family because my pregnant wife’s delivery date is fast approaching,” he pleaded with the court. (NAN)

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