The integrity of the palace of Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North local government area, Delta State, has suffered yet another challenge as the crown prince to the throne, Justin Nonso Nwoko, 64, was yesterday arraigned on a three-count charge of alleged procuring execution of documents by false pretences.
Also arraigned were Prince Ejimofor Nwoko, 68, Prince Richard Obiajulu Nwoko, 83 and Prince Edwin Nwoko, 72.
According to the prosecutor, the accused persons were sometime in August 2015 allegedly conspired to committed felony, adding that by fraudulent representation, they procured Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko, His Royal Majesty Obi Nwoko 111, to sign a document which he ought not to sign.
The prosecution, represented by Barrister R.O. Ishiguzor, Legal Officer attached to the Delta State Police Command, also alleged that the accused persons publicly conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace in the community.
When the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty.
The lawyer who represented them in court, Prince Mbanefo Nwoko, pleaded with the court to grant them bail in liberal terms as they men of integrity like the crown prince, their ages and integrity as retired civil servants who still earn their pensions.
However, the prosecutor objected on ground that one of the counts carries up to 14 years in prison, adding that if the trail judge must rule otherwise, they should be granted bail on condition that will ensure they face trail.
In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Roseline granted them bail in the sum of N20, 000 each and a surety in like sum who must swear to an affidavit of means, resident within the jurisdiction of the court and must deposit two passport photographs with the court.
The court adjourned the case to April 13, 2016 for definite hearing.
It will be recalled that the palace was in the news recently when the wife of the monarch was allegedly sent packing by Nonso Nwoko, the crown prince of the kingdom whom he accused of adultery.
The prosecution, represented by Barrister R.O. Ishiguzor, Legal Officer attached to the Delta State Police Command, also alleged that the accused persons publicly conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace in the community.
When the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty.
The lawyer who represented them in court, Prince Mbanefo Nwoko, pleaded with the court to grant them bail in liberal terms as they men of integrity like the crown prince, their ages and integrity as retired civil servants who still earn their pensions.
However, the prosecutor objected on ground that one of the counts carries up to 14 years in prison, adding that if the trail judge must rule otherwise, they should be granted bail on condition that will ensure they face trail.
In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Roseline granted them bail in the sum of N20, 000 each and a surety in like sum who must swear to an affidavit of means, resident within the jurisdiction of the court and must deposit two passport photographs with the court.
The court adjourned the case to April 13, 2016 for definite hearing.
It will be recalled that the palace was in the news recently when the wife of the monarch was allegedly sent packing by Nonso Nwoko, the crown prince of the kingdom whom he accused of adultery.
Before this time, Nonso allegedly harassed and threatened his uncles, forbidding them from calling or attending family meetings in the town.
He was also accused of frustrating the take off of a proposed Sports University sited in Idumuje Ugboko which land was duly approved by the Izu Ani Committee.
Part of the development has also forced the traditional chiefs to institute a legal action against Nonso for not allowing them to function since the king became ill.
He was also accused of frustrating the take off of a proposed Sports University sited in Idumuje Ugboko which land was duly approved by the Izu Ani Committee.
Part of the development has also forced the traditional chiefs to institute a legal action against Nonso for not allowing them to function since the king became ill.
