Man arraigned for cultism, attempted murder in Rivers

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has arraigned Savoir Robort, alias Timba, on a two-count charge of cultism and attempted murder.

According to court documents, Robort and members of his cult gang allegedly ambushed Chief Gani Topba, leader of the Conscience of Ogoni People, on March 12, 2023, while returning from Zaakpo community in Khana Local Government Area. Topba was shot multiple times and left unconscious.

During the arraignment, on Thursday, Robort pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His counsel applied for bail, but Prosecution Counsel Precious Ordu from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice opposed the application.

The trial Judge, Justice Augusta Chukwu adjourned the case until February 5th and 18th, 2025, for a hearing on the motion for bail and possible trial.

Meanwhile, In a related development, two other individuals, Deele Akpobari (aka Bob Satan) and another suspect, are also facing trial for alleged cultism and attempted murder of Chief Gani Topba.

The Rivers State government has taken over the prosecution of two of the cases while the third is pending, awaiting information from the Department of Public Prosecution.