The police in Enugu state have charged five persons to an Enugu Magistrates’ Court with assault and theft.
Those arraigned were Chizoba Godwin, 65, Nwogu Aloysius, 60, Chidubem Ekwe, 25, Chukwuemeka Enwerem, 31, and Chidiebere Onyia, 43.
The accused persons from Enugu East Local Government Area were arrested for allegedly beating two police officers and stealing their property worth N41,000.
They are facing four counts of assault, stealing, damaging and obstructing police officers from their duties.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Police prosecutor, Mr. Peter Eze, said the matter was reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department on March 14, 2014.
According to him, the accused persons conspired and beat up Augustine Adiele, a police inspector, and Michael Udemba, a corporal, with their fists and sticks.
“They used their fists and sticks to heat Micheal Udemba which made him to suffer a serious injury. The officers were beaten up and prevented from arresting one Ekene Eze who was involved in a case of rape.
“In the course of the beating, the accused tore one of the officer’s shirts worth N2,500, a leather belt worth N1,500, stole one Nokia phone worth N12,000 and a gold necklace worth N25,000,” he said.
Eze pleaded with the magistrate not to grant the accused bail because their offences were grievous.
Ruling, the Magistrate, Mr. C. U. Nosike, said the offences were severe but that they could be granted bail on stringent conditions.
He granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties each.
Nosike said the sureties must be Grade Level 14 officers or business men with landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
He adjourned the matter till April 4 for hearing
