A High Court in Rivers State sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Tuesday granted bail to former Chairman of Ahoada-East Local Government Area, Hon. Cassidy Ikegbidi, a first class traditional ruler, Chief Ngozi Anugwor and five others, out of over 50 defendants in the murder case of Late DPO of Ahoada Police Station, SP Bako Angbashim.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the trial judge, Justice Sika Henry Apirioku, granted bail to the 37th defendant, Chief Ngozi Anugwor with two count charges and 1st defendant, Cassidy with four count charges, both on health grounds wth 10million Naira in like sum and a surety to be a Permanent Secretary or at Director level and a recognized Traditional Ruler. They will also deposit their international passports to the Registrar of the Court and sign a bond of allegiance to always be present in Court.
While the other five defendants who are 41st to 45th defendants, Martins Cassidy, Stanley Amos, Arimudo Ikegbidi, Philip Orlu-Goodness and Joy Ekene, were granted bail with 5million Naira each in like sum, one surety who will be a Civil Servant at grade level 16.
Earlier, the defendants pleaded not guilty to their various count-charges, ranging from conspiracy, murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery and cultism.
The case was adjourned to the 8th and 13th of December for consideration of bail.