A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned the murder trial of Sunny Bekanwa, a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, and Henry Barikui-Dele to April 3rd and 7th, and May 22nd and 28th, 2025.
The adjournment is to allow the prosecution to conclude its case before the defense begins its presentation.
Bekanwa and Barikui-Dele are standing trial for alleged sponsorship of cultists, involvement in cultism, and the murder of Dr. Lucky Keena and Engineer Deyaa Dunsara in Kpean community.
The duo was arrested and arraigned in August 2023.
During the latest hearing, Lemii Peteba, Youth President of Kpean community, testified as a prosecution witness, accusing Bekanwa of using a cult gang to intimidate community leaders and extort money.
Peteba claimed that Bekanwa ordered the gang to harass traditional leaders and reportedly collected ₦30 million in homage from a construction company in 2005.
“The gang also flogged elders and leaders, including Degbara Welele and former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Julie Uweka,” Peteba told the court.
He further alleged that Bekanwa played a significant role in cult-related activities that had long terrorized the community.
Peteba also linked Bekanwa to the killing of a military personnel at the Gbangaa oil field, adding that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Following the testimony, the trial judge, Justice Sobere Biambo, adjourned the case to the new dates.
