Reprieve came the way of an embattled 86-year-old blind traditional ruler of Akpakwume Kingdom, Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, His Highness, Igwe Ekwueme Odenigbo, on Thursday as the court granted him interim bail.
A crisis broke out in the community on 23 December, last year, when some of its members, allegedly reacting to the invasion of the palace of the traditional ruler, robbery, and assault on his family marched to the residence of Chief Livinus Okolo and set it on fire.
The irate youths were said to have torched other property belonging to some members of the community who were part of the assault on the blind Monarch.
Okolo had petitioned the Police, leading to the invitation of the Royal Father by the State Police Headquarters on 9th January.
The monarch, accompanied by his son, Izuchukwu, was detained for four days at the police station before they were eventually charged to court on 13th January.
The monarch, alongside his 33-year-old son, Izuchukwu was sent to the Correctional Custody on January 13, this year, on a five-count charge of committing arson, promotion of local war, assault on police officers on lawful duty as well as malicious property damage.
They were accused of setting fire to buildings belonging to Livinus Okolo, Henry Ugwuochi, Ozonnaya Odenigbo, Ogbonna Chibueze, and Okechukwu Eze valued at about N3billion naira among others.
When the case resumed on Thursday, the trial Judge, Justice Okay Anike, expressed deep concern over the fragile health of the monarch, who appeared in prison uniform and could not walk without support.
He granted him bail of N20 million and asked any community member to take him on bail. He urged the Monarch to return to his community and see how he could make peace.
The judge who, however, denied his son, Izuchukwu bail, adjourned further hearing on the matter till Thursday, 30 January.