Rivers state election re-run took place few months ago, and
the state’s Secretary to the government (SSG), Mr. Kenneth Kobani, is facing
the law due to his illegal activities during the election re-run.
He has been accused
of electoral fraud; breach of public peace and terrorism. The Department
of State Security (DSS) at a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, has arraigned
Mr. Kobani . Vanguard reports, he was
charged on three counts over misconduct during the last re-run elections in
Rivers state.
The re-run which was rescheduled to take place on 19th
of March 2016, by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During the election a lot of things happened
such as , killings, snatching of voting materials, illegal gunshots and injuries inflicted on the voters; a
serving youth Corps Member , Samuel Okonta was killed by thugs that day, when he and
other corps members were returning from their voting venue. Okonta was a
National Youth Corps member recruited by INEC to assist at the polls. He was
reportedly shot by gunmen after he had submitted the election results.
Okonta’s death rocked many Nigerians and the president
ordered security agancies to catch those involved and service justice no matter
the party they belong to. Okonta’s case made INEC to cancel the subsequent
results, and a judicial commission of inquiry was set up to investigate the
violence. Justice Liman Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin
City had earlier listed Kobani’s charges as follows:
Below are the charges against Mr. Kennet Kobani, “Rivers SSG”.
Mr Kobani Has one of the best houses in Birabi Street GRA Phase1, Port-Harcourt.
Cospiracy “That you Kenneth
Kobani with others at large on or about
March 3 ,2016 at a meeting held in your residence at Bodo community ,
Gokana local government did conspire to
carry out activities that could cause the
breach of the peace and break down of law and order on the 19 March 2016
thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 516 of the criminal code
act.”
Breach of peace- “That you Kenneth Kobani and others at large on or about March 19 2016 at the premises of
INEC office, Gokana LGA, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did
conduct yourself in a manner that caused the breach of peace by leading and
instructing your followers to barricade the entrance of the INEC office,
prevent officials of the commission and other adhoc staff from discharging
their duties and causing stampede in the vicinity thereby committed an offence
contrary to and punishable under Section 249 d of the criminal code.”
Terrorism – “On or about 19 March ,2016 at the premises of
INEC office , Gokana LGA, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did
hold Mr James Simon , an official of the commission and other adhoc staff
hostage until their eventual rescue by security personnel, thereby committed an
offence contrary to and punishable under section 11 of the Terrorism prevention
act 2011.”
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