Court adjourns murder trial of ex-Rivers LG boss

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned the murder trial of Sunny Bekanwa, a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, and Henry Barikui-Dele to April 3rd and 7th, and May 22nd and 28th, 2025.

The adjournment is to allow the prosecution to conclude its case and for the defense to begin presenting arguments.

Bekanwa and Barikui-Dele are facing charges of sponsoring cultists, engaging in cultism, and the murder of Dr. Lucky Keena and Engineer Deyaa Dunsara in Kpean community. Both men were arrested and arraigned in August 2023.

During the proceedings, the Youth President of Kpean community, Lemii Peteba, testified as a prosecution witness, accusing Bekanwa of using a cult gang to intimidate community leaders and extort money.

Peteba alleged that Bekanwa ordered the gang to harass traditional leaders and claimed they collected ₦30 million in homage from a construction company in 2005.

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“The gang also flogged elders and leaders, including Degbara Welele and former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Julie Uweka,” Peteba told the court.

He further alleged that Bekanwa was involved in cult-related activities that terrorized the community for years.

Peteba also linked Bekanwa to the killing of a military personnel at the Gbangaa oil field, stating that the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

After hearing the witness’s testimony, the trial judge, Justice Sobere Biambo, adjourned the case to the new dates.

The prosecution is expected to close its case during the next hearing, allowing the defense to begin its arguments.