NIGERIAN national, Bethel Ikena Chimezie was, on Thursday, further remanded to prison for the attempted murder of a Presidential Guard and discharging a loaded firearm at another during a brazen attack at State House.

On January 20, Chimezie, 25, of Ninth Street, Industry, East Coast Demerara, made his first appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Chimezie was not required to plead to the charges which alleged that, on December 15, 2022, at Carmichael Street, Georgetown, he unlawfully wounded Presidential Guard, Telon Perreira, with intent to commit murder.

He was also not required to plead to a second charge which alleged that, on the same day and at the same location, he discharged a loaded firearm at Presidential Guard, Quacy Cummings.

During his second court appearance on Thursday, statements were filed in the attempted murder case and Chimezie was further remanded to prison until February 6, 2023.

According to reports, on the day in question, at about 07:30 hours, Chimezie went to the south-eastern entrance of State House which is the official residence of the President and his family and spoke with Perreira.

Chimezie indicated to Perreira that he wanted to see President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and had an appointment with him. Perreira directed the accused to the seating area while he attempted to confirm that he had an appointment.

However, Chimezie became annoyed, got up from the seating area and attempted to walk through the security hut into the compound of State House.

Perreira attempted to block Chimezie but the man pulled out a knife from his shoulder bag and stabbed him five times. The men ended up in a scuffle and a female Presidential Guard came to Perreira’s rescue. She took out her service revolver, but Chimezie managed to disarm her.

Cummings, who was at the south-eastern entrance intervened, but Chimezie discharged three rounds in his direction. Chimezie then attempted to flee on foot. However, Cummings pulled out his service weapon and discharged a round in his direction, hitting him in his right leg. He fell to the ground and was arrested.

Perreira and Chimezie were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where they both underwent surgery. Following the attack, Perreira, a Constable, was promoted to the rank of Corporal for his courage.