By joshua 
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Hearing in the case of the State versus Iyasere of Warri, Chief Johnson Atselege and
11 others in the alleged murder of the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community, in Ologbo Dukedom , Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria , Mr Sunny Etchie, has been adjourned to 24 th of March 2021 for continuous hearing.
Johnson Atseleghe and 11 others are standing trial in Criminal Court 4 in Benin city on alleged case of murder, kidnapping.
The case, which could not be heard on Thursday, March 18th, 2021, when it was earlier slated for was adjourned because of the absence of the presiding judge and other judicial officials.
Barrister Mathew Edaghese counsel to late Sunny Etchie family, while reacting to the incident in a chat with reporters said: “As we are all aware this week is set aside as the settlement week for the multi-door court across the state by the state Chief Judge.
“It is an exercise that’s involving lawyers and judicial personnel. So, the court did not seat today due to that settlement week. The case has consequently been adjourned to the 24th day of March, 2021, for further hearing.
“Hopefully, at the next adjourned date we expect the court to seat and hearing shall continue in earnest.”
Going further, Barrister Edaghese said that the settlement week is not a clog in the wheel of progress.
“The settlement week is part of the judicial process. It is alternative dispute resolution. It is in furtherance of enhancement of justice dispensation in a seamless manner.