Chief Magistrate Sotonye Harry gave the remand order following an experte application contained in a remand warrant by the prosecution.
When the matter was called up in court on Tuesday, the prosecution informed the court about the remand warrant, which he said was in line with Section 300 of the Supreme Court of Justice Nigeria Act.
The prosecution informed the court that the case in question is attempted murder, cultism, and other similar offences as enshrined in criminal law of the state, especially in pursuance of Section 320 of the Criminal Code of Rivers State Administration of Justice.
The police prosecutor also informed the court that the application, which is in support of one page affidavit as deposited by one Inspector Stephen attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, became necessary following the fact that other defendants indicted in the same offence are facing trial already in other courts.
The Chief Magistrate, Sotonye Harry, after listening to the prosecution, did not allow the defence counsel to announce her appearance but directed that the accused be remanded in prison.
She also directed that the case file be sent to the Department of Public Prosecution for advice and adjourned the case till May 2, 2024.
Topba, an activist, was ambushed on March 12, 2023, while returning from his hometown, Zaapko community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, shot several times and abandoned nearly dead before passersby intervened and rushed him to hospital.
