March 2022
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Hearing in the case of the State vs Austin Olokor , 2 others ,Oluwa Esimije and Sunday Amamapoki in the alleged brutal murder of Okhuoimose Omorodion and Genesis Orji who were killed in ologbo dukedom, in Ikpoba okha Local government Area, Edo State has been adjourned to 30th of March 2022 for continuous hearing.
The case which came up today in Benin Criminal Court, High Court 3 ,was the testifying of Pw3 Philip Izekor.
Philip Izekor: a welder by profession ,said he was in the
Onogie of Ologbo Palace on the 3rd of march 2020 early morning at about 6am when information came to them , that some Itsekiri youths were coming to burn down the palace.
I saw over fifty of them coming charting different slogans, so I have to find my way out of the Palace.
” Among them I saw Oluwa Esimijie, ( 2nd defendant), holding a gun.
He shot me on the head at a distance.
It was later than that I found myself at the Central Hospital in Benin City.
” After some days when I was a bit stable I went to Zone 5 where I made my statement to the Police on the 19th of march 2020.
On Cross examination by Counsel to the 2nd defendant, O T.Okeke, Pw3 told the court that it was already day time, hence he was able to identify the 2nd defendant, ( Oluwa Esimijie). Also the 2nd defendant leaves in Ologbo Community as himself though they were not friends.
He said, “I don’t have any medical records with me in the court as both, the X Ray and the medical reciept are all at home.The court asked him to show the scare , which the Judge personally check with the defense counsel.
After cross checking, the judge direct the Pw3 to present the medical records by the next adjournment.
His Lordship, Honourable Justice Ifijie adjourned the case to the 30th of march , 2022 for continuation of hearing.
Meanwhile, the 2nd defendant, Oluwa Esimijie came out of the court warning one of the reporters to stay away from their matter.
“We’re you not the one chief Johnson Atseleghe seized his phone last time, so you are looking for our trouble”? He asked.
The 3 accused persons, Austin Olokor,Oluwa Esimije and Sunday Amamapoki we’re all present in court.
The 3 accused persons were charged with 5 count charge of alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Okuomose Omorodion and Genesis Orji in Ologbo dukedom, Ikpoba Okha Local government Area of Edo state
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…. Continue reading