The trial of Mazi Chinonso Uba, popularly known as Nonsonkwa, for an alleged cybercrime against Gov Hope Uzodimma commenced fully at the Federal High Court Abuja. The former Commissioner of Information, Mr. Declan Emelumba, testified as a witness, providing insights into the alleged crime.
During cross-examination, the defendant’s counsel, Barr Nnaemeka Ejoifor, questioned the witness about the existence of Ebubeagu vigilante in Imo. Emelumba denied its existence, despite publications in Punch, Vanguard, Cable, Sun, and Premium Times online newspapers about the launch of Ebubeagu in the South East.
The counsel drew attention to an interview Emelumba granted to Punch Newspaper in January 2022, where he acknowledged Ebubeagu’s operation in Imo but claimed it was not yet launched. The witness denied ever granting such an interview.
When asked about Asari Dokubo, the witness admitted hearing about him only on social media but claimed he could recognize him in a picture, not in a video.
Nonsonkwa, arrested on July 27, 2023, for a video accusing Governor Uzodimma of using Asari Dokubo to recruit Ebubeagu vigilante, was detained for 32 days. The case was adjourned until April 25, 2024, for the second witness to testify. Nonsonkwa urged Ndi Imo to keep praying for him, asserting that the truth would prevail in the end.