The Anambra state Police command yesterday arraigned an Awka-based legal practitioner, Mr. Franklin Iguh before an Ogidi Magistrate Court for allegedly causing an illegal, unauthorized and seditious publication in a national daily, on Feb 7, 2013.
The publication, according to the Police prosecutor, Mr. F.E. Okoi, Esq in the suit No MD/114c/2013 dated March 19, 2013 was made likely to injure the reputation of Chief Maurice Ebo who is the incumbent Executive Chairman of Nkwelle-Ogidi Community Development Union and the management of DAVIS REAL ESTATE LTD, an estate developer, by exposing them to public hatred, contempt or ridicule, or likely to damage them in their profession or trade.
Iguh, whose wife is currently a sitting Senior Magistrate in the state, as a result of the alleged publication thereby was accused of committing an offence punishable under Sec 325 of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol 11 Laws of Anambra state of Nigeria 1991 as amended,.
The charge sheet read in part, “that you Franklin Iguh ‘M’ of No 43 Zik Avenue Awka, on the 7th day Feb, 2013 at Nkwelle-Ogidi within Idemili North Magisterial District did without having any personal interest in the piece or parcel of land situate at Nkwelle-Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government area of Anambra state or without being a member of the Nkwelle-Ogidi Community Union made a publication in the Daily Sun Newspaper warning the general Public not to purchase any stall/store on the said land and that DAVIES REAL ESTATE LTD is illegally developing the said land the subject matter of Suit No HID/314/2012 Pharm Harold Ozo Obika & 8 Ors Vs Chief Maurice Ebo & 8 Ors pending at Ogidi High Court, a publication likely to injure the reputation of Chief Maurice Ebo the Executive Chairman of Nkwelle-Ogidi Community Development Union and the management of Davis Real Estate Ltd by exposing them to hatred, contempt or ridicule, or likely to damage them in their profession or trade.
“You thereby committed an offence punishable under section 325 of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol 11 Laws of Anambra state of Nigeria 1991 as Amended”.
Chief C.J Asiegbu, leading a team of 12 other lawyers stormed the court in defence and solidarity with Mr. Iguh. Asiegbu told journalists shortly after the session that they were irked that Iguh was arrested and charged for doing his job as a lawyer representing his client.
Mr. Bogzy Uzoechi, representing Chief Ebo and Davis Real Estate Ltd said the defendant, though a colleague was caught in the web of professional overzealousness by causing a publication without proper authorization.
The suit has been adjourned to April 21 and 30 for accelerated hearing.
