Nebbi magistrate’s court has released 33 suspects who were arrested for rioting following the controversial Nebbi LC V elections. They were freed by George Kumakech, Nebbi grade II magistrate after the Directorate of Public prosecution dropped all the charges against them. The suspects were picked up on June 13, 2011 when they staged riots after court issued an interim order blocking Esrom William Alenyo, from swearing in as Nebbi LC V chairperson following an application by his rival Robert Okumu.
They were charged with terrorism and malicious damage to property, before being remanded to Arua government prison. However, recently, the Directorate of Public prosecution dropped charges against the suspects. George Kumakech, Nebbi grade II magistrate told the suspects on Wednesday that they were free to go home since all the charges against them had been withdrawn by the DPP.
52-year-old Julius Owek ker, one the freed suspects thanked God that none of them died in prison, saying that they were only feeding on silver fish, locally known as Mukene. Owek ker explained that he has lost much because he was generating money through farming to support his family before he was jailed.
Business came to standstill in Nebbi town, when news of the release of the suspects spread through the town as their relatives and friends marched through the streets with them. Some of the suspects are Odongwun William, okethwengu Stanley, Masendi Eric, Adubango Deo, Onencan peter, Owenja Charles Omar Bakits, Okellowenge Gerald, Ongom Charles and Owonda Narsis,
