FCT: COURT ISSUES BENCH WARRANT AGAINST JOSEPH ERIKI, 11 OTHERS FOR SUSPECTED LAND GRABBING

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By: Motunrayo Aniwura

Justice Suleiman Belgore of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has issued bench warrants for the arrest of 12 individuals accused by the federal government of criminal conspiracy, trespass, forgery, and presenting a forged document as genuine.

The judge, on Tuesday, directed security agencies to arrest the suspects anywhere in the country and bring them before the court to face trial on land grabbing charges.

The accused, including one Joseph Eriki, were scheduled to be arraigned on a nine-count charge but failed to appear in court.

During the proceedings, the federal government’s counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that the suspects were previously granted administrative bail and were duly informed of the charges. However, all efforts to reach them at their stated addresses proved unsuccessful.

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Citing Section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, Kaswe requested the court to issue bench warrants as a last resort to ensure their attendance.

The defendants face multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, forgery, using a forged document as genuine, criminal force to deter a public servant from duty, wrongful restraint, and causing hurt.

Justice Belgore adjourned the matter to June 4, directing the prosecution to produce the defendants in court for arraignment.