Nnamdi Emeh, the whistleblower who exposed an organ trafficking ring within the Anambra police command in Nigeria, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Awka, the state capital.
The Nigeria Police Force filed 12 counts against Emeh, accusing him of violating several regulations and laws. Emeh pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the court proceedings, Emeh’s lawyer filed a bail application, while the police filed a counter-affidavit opposing his release.
The judge reserved the ruling on the bail application for Tuesday, May 16, and ordered Emeh to be remanded in the custody of the Federal Correction Centre in Awka.
Emeh had been in police custody for weeks before being transferred from the Force Headquarters in Abuja to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Awka.
This transfer sparked public outcry as senior officers implicated in the atrocities at Awkuzu SARS were stationed at the Anambra State Command. Despite efforts by Emeh’s lawyer and family to have him charged, the police only brought his case to court on Thursday.
The police alleged that Emeh was arrested for malicious publications against the police and for hacking into the bank account of a suspect under investigation. They claimed he transferred a substantial sum of money from the suspect’s account into his personal bank account. The police requested the court to deny Emeh’s bail, arguing that he would flee the country if released.
As a result, Emeh was remanded at the Federal Correction Centre in Awka until his bail application is determined on May 16, 2023. The police document submitted to the court presented arguments against granting Emeh bail, citing his history of evading arrest and the belief that he would escape justice if released.
The document also disputed Emeh’s claims regarding the reason for his arrest, stating that he was apprehended for hacking a bank account and transferring a significant amount of money.
The police emphasized that their investigation did not implicate CSP Patrick Agbazue, who Emeh mentioned in his defense. Additionally, they asserted that Emeh had direct communication with police authorities and other agencies, indicating a potential plan to evade justice.
The police further refuted claims made by Emeh regarding the investigation process and the absence of charges filed against him. They clarified that a 12-count charge had been filed, and Emeh was currently undergoing trial for those charges.