A Chief Magistrate Court in Onitsha, presided by Magistrate Nkemdilim Ike, on Monday, remanded two homosexual suspects for additional nine days in prison custody in-order to consider applications on the matter.
It would be recalled that the accused Ebuka Anyasi (23) and Michael Ikegbunam (19) were detained in Onitsha Prisons custody by the court on June 15 for allegedly commiting felony by having carnal knowledge of two minor males – Ifechukwu Okafor (14) and Tagbo Chukwuma – .
The unnatural act lasted for seven days, while both victims were locked in conferment in Okoloji Street, Odoakpu in Onitsha, Anambra.
However, the two accused pleaded not guilty to the three count charge against them.
The Prosecutor, Clem Nwancho, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), submitted a three-page motion application as well as an affidavit opposing the plea for bail for the two accused.
The lead counsel to the plaintiff, Godwin Mmadubuko, objected to the bail application, insisting that they should be remanded in prison custody to act as deterrent to others pending determination of the case.
The lead Defence Counsel, John Chukwuma, submitted a nine-paragraph motion and an affidavit praying the court to grant the two accused bail since the offense was bailable.
In her ruling, Magistrate Ike, adjourned the matter to July 1 in order for her to study the various written application of parties in the matter and decide whether to grant the two accused bail or not.
“The Court, hereby, adjourns this case to Wednesday, July 1, so that I can study the various written application for and against the bail of the two accused,’’ she said.
Meanwhile the case had been generating apprehension and fear among parents residing in Onitsha as the news of the case had been the major discussion in public places in the commercial city.
ends.
