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Ologbo Murder Trial: Johnson Atseleghe Vs State Adjourned to January 30th For Continuous Hearing
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
A Benin High Court, Criminal Court 7, sitting in Benin City has adjourned the case in the alleged murder of Sunny Etchie between Edo State Government and Chief Johnson Atseleghe and Others for conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Sunny Etchie, the Okhaighele of Kolokolo Community, in Ologbo Dukedom in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo state to 30th of January 2025 for hearing.
The defendants Johnson Atseleghe, the Iyasere Of Warri , Oluwa Esimijie, Felicia Otikpere, Monday Iluwa, Robinson Ayokotse, Nosa Omoregie, Mofe Samuel, Benjamin Erewa and Kaka are being tried for the alleged murder of Sunny Etchie, the Okhaighele of Kolokolo Community, in Ologbo Dukedom in charge No. B/CO/717M/20 in a Benin Criminal Court 4 sitting in Benin City.
At today’s hearing, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Marvelous Otoide continued his evidence.
The case which came up today, 15 November, 2024 had inspector Otoide Marvelous , PW 3 attested to the statement made by the 7th defendant on the case of alleged murder.
In cross examination by the counsel to the 7th defendant, Mr. Okeke faulted the claim by the witness, holding to the claim that the 7th defendant made the statement under duress and involuntarily.
Mr. Okeke who noted that the claims by the PW 3, Inspector Marvelous were not contained in the findings he presented before the court, accused the witness of being economical with the truth.
Mr. Okeke also accused the PW 3 of not video recording the 7th defendant for evidence that what he claimed was actually what transpired before the court.
The State Counsel however objected but the judge overruled his objection and the cross examination continued.
Mr. Okeke further accused the PW 3 of expunging his claim that no member of the family or lawyer of the 7th defendant was forthcoming in his statement, describing it as a ploy to mislead the court.
However, PW 3 stated that everything in the statement had been captured in detail in accordance with professionalism and Police Practice.
The Defendants’ offence contravene sections , 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, Justice Mary Enoredia Itsueli thereafter Adjourned the case to January 30th, 2025 for continuous hearing.
