A Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has granted bail to a prominent business mogul, Chief Mike Nwaukoni, who is the first defendant in a terrorism and attempted murder case involving an alleged violent attack on the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II.
Chief Nwaukoni, alongside four others — Francis Okolie, John Nwaona, Prince Ojo Izediunor, and Eugene Elue Adigwe — are standing trial for their alleged roles in the violent incident that occurred two years ago during the annual Ineh (New Yam) Festival at the monarch’s palace in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.
Delivering his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Agbaje, granted bail to Chief Nwaukoni in the amount of ₦25 million and ordered that he surrender his international passport to prevent him from leaving the country. The court further directed that the defendant must produce a surety who owns landed property valued at not less than ₦25 million within the court’s jurisdiction, backed by verifiable title documents.
In a stern warning, the court emphasised that any breach of the bail conditions by the defendants would lead to an immediate revocation of their bail and possible remand in custody. All defendants were also ordered to remain within the court’s jurisdiction, unless formally permitted to do otherwise.
Following the ruling, trial proceedings commenced in earnest, with the prosecution calling its first witness, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Christian Onuegbu, who was deployed to secure the palace on the day of the alleged attack.
Testifying before the court, DSP Onuegbu recounted that the defendants allegedly led a large crowd to the palace, where they violently confronted security personnel after being denied entry. According to him, members of the group, armed with firearms and dangerous weapons, began shooting indiscriminately when stopped at the palace gate, resulting in chaos.
“One of the local vigilantes at the entrance was shot, prompting us to call for reinforcements. Tear gas had to be used to disperse the crowd,” the officer stated.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to January 21, 2026, for further hearing.
Meanwhile, the Palace Secretary of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, expressed optimism that the trial would help restore peace and sanity in the community. He alleged that the ongoing security challenges in Ogwashi-Uku stem from repeated acts of provocation and violence orchestrated by “the same individuals who have continued to cause unrest in the kingdom.”
Observers say the case has drawn significant public attention, given the gravity of the charges and the high-profile nature of the defendants, with many hoping the proceedings will reaffirm confidence in the judicial process and strengthen the rule of law in Delta State.
