Rivers State High Court Grants Bail to Traditional Rulers, Five Others in Murder Case of DPO Bako Angbashim

About the murder case of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Bako Angbashim from Ahoada Division of Rivers Police Command, a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has granted bail to two first-class traditional rulers, Cassidy Ikegbidi and Ngozi Anugwor, along with five other defendants out of the more than 50 individuals arraigned in connection with the crime.

Presiding over the case, Justice Sika Henry Apirioku granted bail to Chief Ngozi Anugwor and Cassidy Ikegbidi on health grounds. The bail amount was set at 10 million naira each, requiring a surety who must be a Permanent Secretary or Director-level civil servant and a recognized traditional ruler. Additionally, the court mandated the surrender of their international passports to the Registrar and the signing of a bond of allegiance to ensure their presence throughout the trial.

The other five defendants, identified as Martins Cassidy, Stanley Amos, Arimudo Ikegbidi, Philip Orlu, Goodness, and Joy Ekene, were granted bail in the amount of five million naira each. Similar to the first set of defendants, they are required to provide a surety, who must be a civil servant at grade level 16.

All defendants had pleaded not guilty to a range of charges, including conspiracy, murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, and cultism. Justice Apirioku emphasized that the court’s decision to grant bail was influenced by the prosecution’s challenges, citing the Director of Public Prosecution’s inability to receive documentation from the Officer-in-Charge, Legal, and the health conditions of the defendants.

The trial Judge adjourned the case to the 8th and 13th of December to consider bail for the remaining defendants. The murder of DPO Bako Angbashim has garnered widespread attention, with the court navigating complexities in pursuit of justice.