Chief Johnson Atseleghe Granted Bail, But Will Still Remain in Custody

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo State Judiciary High Court of Justice, Criminal Division, Benin City has on Monday 14th September granted bail application filed by counsel to the Applicant, Chief Johnson Eitchie the alleged principal suspect to the murder of the Okhaighele of Kolokolo Community, Mr. Sunny Etchie, Chief Johnson Atseleghe, the Iyasere of Warri. 

The presiding Judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba who gave the ruling said it was based on health grounds while the alleged kidnapping and murder case which brought him to court will continue.

Another report case of murder  involving Mr Austin Olokor, Chief Johnson Atseleghe and others which came up in court was adjourned for a later date on the alleged murder of Mr. Orji and Omorodion Okhuoimose.

The court room was parked with lead counsels and their followers on the ruling for the bail application for Chief Johnson Atseleghe.

After the announcement of their appearances by the prosecuting and defence counsels, the presiding judg, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba said she is acting on the evidences  provided before the court.

The judge said, "Inline with Section 39 of the Evidence Act, the request for the bail application for the accused, Chief Johnson Atseleghe has not undermined the charges against him, it was requested based on health arising from affidavit and counter affidavits , the court in its wisdom has decided to grant the prayers of the defence counsel to enable the accused gain quality access to medical care to enable uninterrupted trial on the alleged murder of Mr. Sunny Ritchie.

Justice Efe Ikponmwonba thereafter granted bail to Chief Johnson Atseleghein in  a large sum of N2 Million Naira with a surety gainfully employed, resides in Benin metropolis with a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO).

The presiding Jude thereafter adjourned the case to the 20th of October 2020.

In a related development, the criminal court also entertained a case of murder of  Genesis Orji and Omorodion Okhuoimose who were killed in Ologbo Dukedom.

The Police Persecuting Counsel, Barr. Y. Musa told the court that the DPP were yet to provide the advice as directed by the court and ask the court to grant the motion exparte to remand the suspects Austine Olokor, Chief Johnson Atseleghe, Fred Utieyin, Sheglim Iluwa and others in custody.

The presiding judge justice Efe Ikponmwonba adjourned the matter to 15th of October 2020 for mention.

Counsel to both parties comment. First was Barr. Bamidele Aibohor: "Bail has been granted the Applicant and the case is adjourned to sometime in October for mentioning. The conditions for granting the bail application are not reasonable. I think the condition is clear."

In his comment, Barr. Matthew Adaghese, lead counsel to the Respondent said: "You know the ruling was reserved for today for bail application and that bail has be granted the applicant. The bail is at the discretion of the court and the court has duly exercise his discretion and so we have no problem for that. The main trial will still continue. 

"Then beside that, there is actually a fresh case against Johnson and others involving murder of Genesis and Okhuoimose. Okhuoimose body is still in the mortuary as we speak and this killings and murder happen before even this other one that he has been granted. So they are two different cases, and the police has just brought a motion ex-parte for a remark order which the court has also granted.  So, meanwhile, they are waiting DPP advice for that other case, so, whichever case, he is still in custody by virtue of this other order on this other case, he is still in custody until the DPP advice comes.