Cyriacus Njoku, who filed the case challenging GEJ’s right to contest in 2015 has been jailed on rape charge

For most Nigerians, the first time they heard the name, Cyriacus Njoku, it was because of a case he brought before a court challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to stand for reelection in 2015. He lost it.

READ: “Run, If You Wish”: Abuja Court Clears Jonathan To Contest For Re-Election In 2015

Justice Oniyangi of an FCT High Court had ruled in the case on the last day in February 2013, that the president has every right to vie for re-election if he wants to.

Dissatisfied with the verdict, Njoku, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) only recently filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal.

The appeal is dicey for the president. The Supreme Court had ruled in an old case that an elected official cannot take an oath for the same office more than twice and President Jonathan has already taken the oath twice (in 2010 following the death of Yaradua, and in 2011 following his victory at the polls.) So obviously, Njoku's case can go either way.

In a surprising twist, Njoku was arrested on Monday and taken to Suleja prison on charges of rape. Reports say he's being held under tight security.

The news is coming at an uncomfortable time for the president and the security agencies. This week Aso Rock has been roundly criticised for the arrest and detention of two journalists from Leadership newspapers by policemen over an alleged presidential directive published by the paper. Also, the Ahmadu Bello University branch of ASUU issued a statement condemning the harassment of one of its members, Prof. Kaita, over his controversial position on polio vaccination.

READ: ASUU President Decries SSS Harassment Of ABU Professor Over Free Speech

READ: We Would Not Meet Those Obnoxious Conditions: Leadership Newspaper Dares Police, GEJ

The Cyriacus Njoku arrest took an even more bizarre turn when his counsel, Mr. Ugochukwu Osuagwu, had to flee the country on April 3, 2013, with members of his family, because, according to him, he had been under constant threats of elimination by unknown persons.

Reports say that Osuagwu has now been granted asylum by the German government to escape his assailants.

Njoku meanwhile has been arraigned before a Suleja court. His case which was hurriedly mentioned, is being prosecuted in Suleja because of claims that he allegedly committed the offence there.

Reports say Njoku's case only came to the open because he was able to smuggle a note out of the prison where he is held. No one has been allowed to see him - not even a lawyer. Prison authorities said that they have instructions not to allow anybody to see him.

Culled @ Scoop