Okonjo-Iweala mother’s kidnapper arraigned, remanded in prison

ONE of the suspected kidnappers of the mother of the Minister of Finance, @Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Professor Kamene Okonjo was yesterday arraigned before an Asaba Chief Magistrate’s court on a 4-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery and kidnapping.

The suspect, William Omenma, aged 30 years was arraigned before Chief Magistrate court 1, presided over by Chief Magistrate Grade One, Mr.  Sylvester Ehikwe.

No plea was taken and the Chief Magistate ordered that the accused be remanded at the Federal prisons, Ogwashi-Uku and directed the prosecution to duplicate the case file to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP for legal advice and adjourned it to 31st of January, 2013.

The charges read:

*That you Omenma C. Williams, male, and others now at large on the 9th day of December 2012 at Asaba, in the Asaba magisterial district, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: armed robbery and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 6 (b) of the Robbery and Firearm (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federal of Nigeria 2004.

*That you Omenma C. Williams, male, and others now at large, on the same date, place and aforementioned magisterial district, did rob one Professor Mrs. Kamene Okonjo, female of her hand bag containing valuables items valued at N200,000 while armed with gun and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 1 (2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearm (Special Provisions) Act Cap R11, Vol 14, Laws of the Federal of Nigeria, 2004, among other charges.

By AUSTIN OGWUDA, Asaba