By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City.
The legal battle to unravel the killers of Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community, in Ologbo Dukedom , Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria ,has been adjourned to 5th of November 2021.
Chief Johnson Atselege, the Iyasere of Warri, and 8 Others are currently being arraigned in the Edo State High Court Criminal court 4 , for alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community in Ologbo Dukedom, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.
At today’s hearing, the State Counsel, Mrs Osasu Ewemande, called her 3rd witness, PW 3, Police Sageant Marvelous Otoide , attach to Cyber Crime Unit, Edo State Police Command.
PW 1 adopted his statement , while the 1st defendant objected to the statement, saying that he was made to sign under duress.
The 1st defendant Counsel, 0. T. Okeke objected to the adiminsibilty of the statement.
PW 1 in his testimony, told the court that , the statement of the 1st defendant was recorded in a conducive and serene yes environment.
” My Lord , we are professional Police Officers well trained, we are unbiased .The statement of the 1st defendant was recorded in conducive and serene office, fully air-conditioned .
“Prior to this case I have never set my eyes on the 1st defendant, that imply that I have no previous issues with him”.
” I will want to categorically tell this court that the statement was volunterly taken in the present of other Police men under caution.
The statement was thereafter admitted as exbit T1, waiting for the court to hear trial against trial in the next adjournment date.
Meanwhile, the ruling on the bail application by the 9th defendant, Missah Kakah was granted by the court.
While granting the bail, His Lordship, Justice Mary Ituseli, said, ” I have consiouly read the application of both counsels , bail is hereby granted with Two million naira surety and a civil servant who must be fully employed.
His Lordship, Justice Mary Ituseli thereafter adjourned to November 5th 2021 for continous hearing and triall against trial