Awesome Ekene
A South African-based activist, Boniface Okonkwo, who has been in detention in Nnewi Anambra State since January 3, was returned to prison on Thursday after his court appearance.
Okonkwo was arrested for allegedly defaming a businessman, Chief Emeka Offor, on a community WhatsApp group.
Justice Vincent Agbata of the Anambra State High Court , Nnewi adjourned the case to July 9th and 10th for cross-examination.
Okonkwo’s legal team led by KC Nwufo,
presented their arguments, but the case was postponed to allow for further hearing.
Okonkwo, who has been in detention for over six months, had appealed to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to intervene in his case.
He claimed that his prolonged detention has resulted in his children facing threats of expulsion from school in South Africa due to unpaid school fees.
The case will resume on July 9th and 10th, when Okonkwo will face cross-examination from the prosecution led by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN).
Following the adjournment, Okonkwo was returned to prison, where he will remain until the next court hearing.
The defence lawyers had argued that Okonkwo’s offence is bailable, insisting that his continued detention was contrary to the rule of law.
The lawyers also dismissed Okonkwo’s possibility of jumping bail in view of his numerous property in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Okonkwo’s family has appealed for his release, citing the hardship they
were facing due to his prolonged detention.
They claimed Okonkwo’s continued incarceration was causing undue hardship and suffering for his family.
