There was a mild drama at the Magistrate Court Abakaliki, Ebonyi State as the Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chika Nwaoba slumped before his planned arraignment in court.
Mr Nwaoba was arrested by Ebubeagu Security Operative and detained by the Police a few days ago over allegations that bordering on malicious publication.
The PDP Publicity Secretary was brought to the court by a team of policemen but he slumped while walking into the court hall, a situation that resulted in the police team rushing him out of the premises.
He was returned to court with the team insisting on his arraignment regardless of his health situation.
Mr Nwaoba was subsequently carried into the dock and held by two Policemen but the Defence Counsel, Mr Luke Nkwoegu raised a protest application pointing out that it was against the law for a defendant to be arraigned in an unconscious state.
According to the Defence Counsel, Mr Nwaoba’s state was caused by the beatings he received while being taken into custody.
Prosecution Counsel, Mr Mathias Eze opposed the application on the grounds that his charge had to be read before the protest application would be entertained.
The Magistrate, Blessing Chukwu after listening to the application ordered that the defendant be taken to the police clinic for medical attention and adjourned the matter to the 14th of this month.
RN