by ‘Jola Sotubo

A Catholic priest  in Enugu State who is alleged to have led an assault on policemen was yesterday remanded in prison.

According to reports, the priest, along with three of his parishioners, is being charged with assault upon a number of policemen attached to the state headquarters and unlawful attempt to kill one Inspector Cosmos Nzeribe.

The Enugu Magistrate Court, which remanded the priest was, however, reportedly besieged by hundreds of his supporters, who wore long faces as the priest was being taken to the prison.

Presiding Magistrate, E.M. Egumgbe, remanded the suspects in prison custody, saying that they can apply for bail in a high court.

Counsel to the priest, Ray Nnaji, who spoke with newsmen after the court session, said that his client was sent to prison on trumped up charges.

Nnaji said the policemen beat up the priest after stripping him naked and detained him.

He said: “I have been following this matter for some time.

“We know quite well that beating up the police is condemnable, though the priest has said he has no business with beating the police and did not tell anyone to beat the police.”