The Anambra State Police Command has arraigned a 44-year-old man, Mr. Emeka Nzekwe, at the Awka Chief Magistrate Court over an alleged defamation of the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, and for conducting himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace.

According to a Charge sheet No: MAW/105C/2017, Commissioner of Police versus Emeka Nzekwe, the second charge of Nzekwe, conducting himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace, is an offence punishable under Section 496(a) of the Criminal Code 36 Vol. II Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991.

The charge against him reads in parts: “That you Emeka Nzekwe ‘m’ of K 31 Street Sunny Vade Homes Abuja and others now at large on the 25th day of February at PDP Secretariat, Awka within Awka South Magisterial District did conspire to commit misdemeanour to wit: conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 496(a) of the Criminal Code 36 Vol. II Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991.”

Nzekwe was also accused of conducting himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by publicly publishing in Sun Newspaper of 25th February, 2017 that Emeakayi is not the Chairman of PDP Anambra State Chapter.

“…with intent to expose one Emeakayi Kenneth to hatred, contempt, ridicule or injury to his reputation or damage his profession or trade, did publish defamatory statement that he is not the chairman PDP Anambra State. You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code cap 36 vol. II Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 1991 as amended.”

When the three-count-charge was read to Nzekwe before the presiding Magistrate O. Maduka, he pleaded not guilty and his counsel, Mr. C. Onyinye Iheazor, made an oral application for his bail.

He promised to bring his client to court to defend himself.

Though, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. A. N. Obo did not object to the bail application, he urged the court to prevail on the accused to be of good behaviour.

Magistrate Maduka after listening to the two counsels’ submissions granted Nzekwe bail in the sum of N150, 000, one surety in like sum and stood the case down for hearing.

He, however, said the surety should also swear affidavit of means, provide three years tax clearance and have a verifiable address.

The case was later adjourned to June 22, 2017 for hearing after the defendant counsel applied for adjournment to allow him time to study the matter, having just been told of the matter that morning.

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