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By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
A Benin High Court, Criminal Court 4, has adjourned a case of conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Sunny Etchie, the Okhaigele of Kolokolo Community to 3rd February, 2021.
The case is between Edo State Government and Chief Johnson Atseleghe and 11 Others.
The 1st defendant, Chief Johnson Atseleghe and Others are being arraigned on a count charge bothering on conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Sunny Etchie, the Okhaigele of Kolokolo community.
The Defendants’ offence contravened Sections 516, 327 and 316 (1) punishable under Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code Act , Cap C38, Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Section 2 (2) punishable under Section 3 of the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2013 of Edo State.
Speaking to newsmen after the sitting, Barrister Mathew Edaghese who led the applicants’ legal team said the judge has to adjourn for the continuation of the trial due to the absent of the principal witness in court.
Barrister Edaghese said,, the case have to adjourn since the principal witness we suppose to take today took ill. It was convened to the court by State Counsel. So, for the purpose of that circumstance, the case was further adjourned to 3rd of February, 2021. Hopefully, the witness would have recovered, then the trial will continue,”
Having heard from the state counsel, Honourable Justice Ohimai Ovbiajiele adjourned the case to 3rd of February 2021.
