A Notorious kingpin, one Promise Ikechukwu Ogbonna, aka (BOBO Bob G.), a native of Okwu Olokoro in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State was arraigned on Tuesday by security agents in an Abia State High sitting in Umuahia, the state capital, on a four-count charge.
The charges bothered on conspiracy to wit: armed robbery contrary to Section 6, armed robbery contrary to section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision).
Other charges are: Attempted Murder: contrary to section 320 (a) of the Criminal Code and Malicious Damage: contrary to section 451(5) (g) of the Criminal Code. Appearing before the High Court in Umuahia on Tuesday, the defendant ,Promise Ikechukwu Ogbonna pleaded not guilty to the four count charges against him.
Meanwhile, the Presiding Judge, Justice K.C.J Okereke, denied the prayer of the Council to the defendant for his client to be granted bail. He adjourned the matter to 26th of March, 2024, to enable more witnesses to testify in the case.
Addressing newsmen after hearing, Chinasa Ogbonna, whose brother was allegedly shot by Promise Ikechukwu Ogbonna and his gang, described Promise Ikechukwu Ogbonna as a menace to Olokoro Community, Abia and Nigeria at large.
He said it is unfortunate, that people like Promise Ikechukwu Ogbonna, a well known cultist, terror is allowed to move about freely, informing that he has answered various cases ranging from armed robbery, cultism, among others, alleging that he has been protected severally by some elements in the security agencies and the Government.
Mr Chinasa, recalled various escapedes that Promise Ikechukwu Ogbonna has carried out in the past, pointing out that even as he is in police custody, people he is working for are working hard for his release. He said in Olokoro Community, he goes about harassing people with the aid of his gangs, reiterating that even the Eze in Council in Olokoro Community has written to authorities for Promise Ikechukwu Ogbonna to be kept behind bars.
He called on witnesses from Olokoro and beyond whom Promise Ikechukwu Ogbonna has wronged, to come forward and bring their evidences, stating that such a menace should not be allowed to roam the streets of Olokoro, Abia unchecked.
While reacting on his own side, Nwasinachi Joseph the victim of Promise Ikechukwu Ogbonna’s bully and principal witness, narrated how Promise Ikechukwu Ogbonna and the Olokoro Community had earlier disagreements which has resulted into police case.
According to Nwasinachi, he narrated that upon his return from Lagos, due to series of complaints from his community members, he went further to write a petition to the IGP in 2021 against Ogbonna Promise Ikechukwu on his numerous cult related issues, armed robbery and possession of Firearms which didn’t go down well with him and he threatened to kill him hence invading his house, shooting him near his chest and throat which has resulted to multiple surgeries at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, stressing that it was by the special grace of God that he survived.
Ogbonna Nwasinachi Joseph, prayed the Court to ensure that Promise Ikechukwu Ogbonna is given adequate punishment for robbery, shooting and threatening to kill him, emphasizing that his escapedes are much just as he revealed that he has been terrorizing students of Micheal Okpara University, (MOUAU) with his cohorts among other nefarious activities.
Meanwhile when approached by the journalist for interview, the Councel to the defendant declined to comment.
