Court grants bail to seven suspects in DPO SP Angbashim murder case; adjourns proceedings to December 8th
SP Angbashim lost his life in the line of duty during a reported exchange of gunfire between the police and a notorious cult group in Ahoada East LGA late on September 8.
The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has approved a bail of N10 million for certain individuals currently facing trial in connection to the murder of the late Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Division, SP Bako Angbashim. Notably among the beneficiaries of the bail are former Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA) chairman, Cassidy Ikegbidi, and traditional ruler Eze Ngozi Anugwo, who received bail based on health considerations.
Justice Sika Henry-Aprioku, the presiding judge, also granted bail in the amount of N5 million to Martins Cassidy, Stanley Amos, Ariomudo Ikedidi, Philip Ordu-Good News, and Joyce Ekenne. This decision comes as part of the ongoing legal proceedings related to the reported murder case.
Justice Henry-Aprioku directed Ikegbidi and Anugwo to provide a surety, either a permanent secretary in the civil service or a traditional ruler from any of the Ahoada Local Government Areas (LGAs). The sureties are required to sign a bond committing to ensuring the regular appearance of both suspects in court throughout the trial, and they must also deposit their international passports with the court.
Additionally, the court mandated that the five remaining accused individuals must secure a surety who is a civil servant not below level 16. The prosecution should be able to verify the provided address of the surety. This set of conditions was outlined by the judge as part of the bail terms during the ongoing legal proceedings.
Before the adjournment until December 8, 2023, for the consideration of bail applications for other defendants, the judge proposed a trial commencement date of December 18. This delay was intended to facilitate an agreement between the Rivers State Government and the police regarding the proper handling of the legal process.
In a surprising twist, a man claiming to be the wanted 2Baba phoned in during a local radio program to refute allegations of involvement in the death of the late SP Angbashim. He asserted his identity as a businessman and insisted that he is being framed.
The trial involves approximately 50 suspects accused of the murder of the Ahoada Division’s late DPO, whose body was reportedly dismembered and showcased in a video on social media, allegedly by 2Baba and his associates.
Horrendous Killing
SP Angbashim met his demise on the night of September 8 during a reported clash between law enforcement and a notorious cult group in the Odeimude community of Ahoada East LGA.
As per accounts, Angbashim and his team were engaged in a fierce gunfight with a prominent cult leader in the area known as 2Baba. Unfortunately, they ran out of ammunition, and without reinforcements, the officers strategically withdrew. Tragically, Angbashim, having sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter, was captured by the cultists.
In a gruesome video purportedly released by the cultists, the mutilated remains of SP Angbashim were displayed while a voice taunted him.
Prior to this incident, the police superintendent had gained popularity for his unconventional practice of attending events barefoot during his service in the Khana LGA of Ogoni.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara Implements Steps
On September 9, Governor Siminalayi Fubara took decisive action by issuing an indefinite suspension for a monarch in connection to the “gruesome murder” of Ahoada Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Bako Angbashim, perpetrated by “a group of criminals.”
In a personal statement, the governor declared, “His Majesty, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi Eze Igbu Akoh II, is hereby suspended indefinitely for acts of complicity in ceding control of his territory to the notorious David Gift and his gang to freely operate and carry out their criminal activities.”
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Governor Fubara highlighted that the main suspects, including “Mr. Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and all members of his criminal gang,” had been declared wanted.
Moreover, he announced a substantial N100 million reward for individuals providing valuable information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Okpolowu, emphasizing the commitment to bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.