The former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, is to be arraigned in court on January 17 next year, for allegedly threatening to release nude photographs of an Abuja-based lady, Chinyere Amuchienwa.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja fixed the date at a resume hearing on Monday.
Ohakim and Chinedu Okpaleke are being prosecuted by the Federal Government for threatening to release Chinyere’s nude photos if she fails to drop charges of attempted kidnap against them.
Following a petition by Chinyere Amuchienwa, the police had filed a criminal charge against Ohakim and Okpaleke, but later discovered that the content of the petition was false and misleading.
Consequently, effort by the Police to withdraw the charge against the defendants marked FHC/ABJ/CS/287/2020, proved abortive as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice applied to the court to take over the matter.
On September 27, Justice Taiwo ruled that the AGF has unfettered power to take over the case.
At hearing of the matter on Monday, an Assistant Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation, A. K Alilu, announced appearance for the AGF, while Emeka Etiaba (SAN) appeared for the 1st defendant.
Kenneth C.O (SAN) represented the 2nd defendant, while Ifeanyi Nwaeze, held the brief of nominal complainant (Chinyere Amuchienwa).
Etiaba apologised for Ohakim’s inability to be in court, citing medical reason.
Reacting, the prosecution counsel said the matter was “intentionally being stalled from going on because nobody informed the prosecution of all these developments.
Ruling, Justice Taiwo held that the COVID-19 is not an issue to play with.
In view of the application of the defendants, the court adjourned to January 17, 2022 for Ohakim and Okpaleke to be arraigned.