By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Hearing in the case of the State versus Chief Johnson Atselege and
7 others in the alleged murder of the Okaoghele of Kolokolo Community, in Ologbo Dukedom , Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria , Mr Sunny Etchie, has been adjourned to 24th of February 2021.
The Principal Witness PWI, Mr. Benson Ayokotie who was being cross-examine by the defendants counsel, Iziyon SAN, told the court that it was the dissolution of the Kolokolo community Youth Association by Johnson Atseleghe , which was headed by his late brother, Sunny Etche that led to the crisis that erupted in the Kolokolo community.
PW1, Benson Ayokotie ,on the allegation that he was directed by the Warri High Court judge to report himself to the Police, denied being directed by a high court in the Warri division to report himself to the Police.
PW1 said , he went to the Police when he got a call from the Assistant Inspector General of Police ( AIG), zone 5 to report at the station.
Defendant counsel, Barrister Alex Iziyon SAN , however made attempt to admitted the Warri High Court judgment as an exhibit , while the state counsel, barrister Owamagbe objected to it.
Alex Iziyon SAN, who had attempted to document copy of the Judgement of the case at the Warri high court as evidence was however denied by the presiding Judge ,Hon.Justice Ovbiagele who based his action on section 232 of the evidence Act and sited Olauyi versus the State, noting all their references only pointed to Documents and then threw away the judgment.
Speaking to newsmen after sitting, head of the legal team to Sunny Etchie’s family Barr. Matthew Edaghese, while reacting to the defense counsel allegations of his clients been prevented from entering Kolokolo community, said the Counsel has no business presenting such issue before the court, that was a very wide allegation that is baseless and unfounded by the defense Counsel.
” As we are aware, there is no report by him to any Police station as I am speaking.If there is a fresh crisis in Kolokolo today, he knew where to go and report. Coming to court to whip up sentiment has basis. He concluded.
The 1st defendant, Chief Johnson Atseleghe and 7 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.
The Presiding Judge ,Hon Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele haven listen to excuse by Alex Iziyon SAN for adjournment took excession to it, but then adjourned to the 24 02 2021 for more cross examination.