A member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Rasaq Momoh, has been remanded in prison by the a Magistrates’ Court in Auchi, Edo State for alleged unlawful possession of firearm.
Momoh, representing Etsako West Constituency 1 on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), was arrested during the local government elections in Agbede, Etsako West Local Government Area, on April 20 by the police.
He was first arraigned on May 2, before Magistrate Caroline Nwoha inAuchi, who remanded him in police custody rather than the prison due to health concerns.
The magistrate also reserved ruling on bail for May 7, after allowing the amendment to the earlier charge of unlawful possession of fire arm to that of alleged robbery.
The Prosecutor, Mr Daniel Mato, had prayed for the case to be heard in the state High Court, saying that the charge had nothing to do with electoral offence.
He argued that it was only a mere coincidence that the offence was committed the same day the council polls were held.
In her ruling, on Tuesday, Nwoha said that her court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
She ordered that the case file be sent to State Director of Public Prosecutor (DPP) for advice.
She adjourned the case to June 3, and ordered that the accused be remanded inAuchi prison.
http://www.leadership.ng/news/070513/court-remands-edo-lawmaker-prison-unlawful-possession-firearms
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