By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
A Benin High Court, has adjourned a case of kidnapping and murder against the Iyatsere of Warri, Johnson Atseleghe, to 18th and 19th of November , 2020.
Atseleghe is the Iyatsere of Warri and leader of Itsekiri in oil-rich Ologbo Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
The defendant and 7 others are being tried on a count charge bothering on conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Sunny Etchie, the Okhaigele of Kolokolo community.
Others are: Felicia Otikpere, female, 55; Oluwa Esimije, 38; Monday Iluwa, 58; Ayokotse Robinson,54; Nosa Omoregie, 54; Mofe Samuel, 40; Magnanimous Omawumi, 40; Ayuwa More, 65, Amerete Ejiro, 25, Onyeburutan Jeffrey 25 and Benjamin Erewa, 39.
The 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) and punishable under section 3 of the Kidnapping prohibition (Amendment) Law , 2013 of Edo State.
The case which came up in criminal Court 4 had one of the accused persons present in court, Johnson Atseleghe.
Speaking, the lawyer holding brief for the complainant, Matthew Edaghese , said the judge has to adjourn the case
due to the absent of some of the accused persons.
According to him, Production warrant was issued to the Prison authority to produce those accused in Correctional Centers so that the trier can commend in Ernest, fortunately the prison authority could not produce them, though they promise to produce them in the next adjournment date.
” on that bases the court has to adjourn to 18th and 19th of November 2020 respectively for the first 7 defendants, while the 8th defendant, chief Johnson Atseleghe will be heard.
The adjourned dates is for bail applications , while the State will also file their responses. The 19th of November is for the main case to be taken through plea.
The presiding Judge, Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele adjourned the case to 18th and 19th respectively.