Sunny Bekanwa, a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State during the previous administration, has been remanded by a Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt.
Bekanwa is accused of sponsoring the cultists responsible for the killings of Dr Lucky Keena and Engineer Deyaa Dunsara, prominent individuals from Ogoni, in Khana Local Government Area. Some individuals are already facing trial at the Rivers State High Court for this offense.
During the plea hearing, the prosecution counsel, Godday Amadi, informed the court about the remand proceedings against Bekanwa, who is also a lecturer at Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic. The charges against him include murder, cultism, and sponsorship of cult activities.
Amadi requested that the suspect be remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Facility in accordance with Section 302 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Rivers State. This would allow for the amendment of the charge at the State High Court to include other defendants who are also standing trial for the same offense.
Following arguments from both the prosecution and defense counsel, Chief Magistrate Nnenda Obiageri-Onugbum ordered the remand of the accused at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned until December 1, 2023, for proper arraignment and possible consideration of bail.
The court also issued a remand warrant for Henry Barikui-Dele, who is facing charges of cultism, possession of illegal firearms, and the murder of Keena and Dunsara. Barikui-Dele was also directed to be remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Facility.
