MP Alobo, 12 others face arson charges in Soroti
While court granted Alobo cash bail of two million shillings, the other 12 accused have been on remand since 6 March after being denied bail.
Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo (in the middle) with Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat and and Jonathan Ebwalu (West MP) after a court session. (File photo)
By Godfrey Ojore
Journalists @New Vision
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Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo and 12 other city residents are set to appear before Soroti Chief Magistrate Hilda Bakanasa Walaga on Thursday, 15 May, in connection with the arson of Jozan Nursery and Primary School.
While court granted Alobo cash bail of two million shillings, the other 12 accused have been on remand since 6 March after being denied bail.
They face charges of arson, malicious damage, breaking into the school, inciting violence, and theft.
Last month, the remanded suspects had their bail application postponed due to the absence of prosecutors who were attending a High Court session.
There is hope that bail will be granted at Thursday’s hearing, provided prosecutors are present.
The suspects are being represented by MP Moses Bitek Junior, Edmund Elasu, and Gabriel Ogire, who are prepared to apply for their release.
The charges stem from an incident in which angry residents set fire to Jozan Nursery and Primary School after a Primary One pupil, Joan Faith Apio, was found slaughtered inside a school toilet in February.
Eight individuals, including the school director, Joseph Okedi and his wife, Suzan Vivian Ariokot, were arrested and charged with murder in connection with the girl’s death.
Court on Wednesday further remanded Okedi and the other seven suspects until 29 May, when the case is scheduled for mention.