Trial of Chief Atselege and 11 Others: Justice Ovbiagele Adjourns Case to 24th February, 2021

By Simeon OSAJIE

Hearing  in the case of the State Versus Chief Johnson Atselege and

11 Others in the alleged murder of Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaoghele of Kolokolo Community in Ologbo Dukedom, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State,   has been adjourned to 24th of February, 2021.

The Principal Witness  PWI,  Mr. Benson Ayokotie who was being cross-examine by the defendants counsel, Imadegbelo 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 Etchie that led to the Kolokolo Community's crisis.

On the allegation that PW1, Mr. Benson Ayokotie, 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.

Imadegbelo SAN, who had attempted to documented copy of the Judgement of the case at the Warri High Court  as evidence was however denied by the Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Ohimai 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 out 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 wild allegations that is baseless allegations  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 Community today, he knew where to go and report,  coming to court to whip up sentiment has basis," Barr. Edaghese concluded.

The 1st defendant, Chief  Johnson Atseleghe and 11 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 Imadegbelo SAN for adjournment took exception to it, but then adjourned to the 24th of February, 2021 for more cross examination of PW1.