Mr Nicholas Opiyo the prominent lawyer and Human Rights defender who was kidnapped from Lamaro Restaurant in Kampala has been charged with money Laundering.
Nicolas was arrested on Tuesday 22nd December and detained at Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Kireka along with his four other fellow Human Rights activists who included lawyers Herbert Dakasi, Esomu Obure, Anthony Odur and Human Rights officer, Hamid Tenywa.
Mr Opiyo on Thursday appeared before Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court where the case was read to him.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Douglas Singiza, however, denied him bail arguing that he has no jurisdiction to hear his case.
The magistrate said the charges against Mr. Opiyo who doubles as the executive director of Chapter Four Uganda, can only be heard by the High Court.
He sent him back to police custody arguing that prisons are full.
Opiyo will be returned to court on December 28, 2020.
The prosecution alleges that Mr. Opiyo on October 8, 2020, at ABSA Bank Garden City Branch, in Kampala District acquired USD 340,000 through ABSA Bank account No.6004078045 in the names of Chapter Four Uganda, knowing at the time of receipt that the said funds were proceeds of crime.
