Case Against Atselege and 11 Others: Court Upheld Justice Ovbiagele's Reserved Ruling

By Simeon OSAJIE

His Lordship, Justice Mary Ituseli, the presiding judge of High Court of Justice, Criminal Court 4, Benin City has upheld the earlier reserved ruling by Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele, former presiding judge in the case of alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community against Chief Johnson Atselege, the Iyasere of Warri and 11 Others.

In her words, Justice Mary Ituseli said, "objection are not taken, defendants are hereby asked to enter their plea".

Going further, Justice Ituehi added, "it will be proper to upheld the earlier reserved  ruling for their preliminary objection till when judgement date is ready so that it will be deliver alongside with judgement". 

The case was thereafter adjourned to 29th of April, 2021 for hearing.

Speaking to newsmen after the sitting, Counsel to the family of late Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community, Barr. Matthew Edaghese said, "As you all aware, the former judge that was hearing this case before his transfer had earlier reserved the ruling for their preliminary objection till when judgement date is ready so that it will be deliver alongside with judgement which is the provision of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).

"Then again, the defence counsel brought this application afresh before this new judge and the judge today had also upheld the earlier opinion of the former judge to the effect that the ruling will be delivered alongside with the main judgement".

Going further, Barr. Edaghese emphasised. "the actual intention of that application was to abort this trial to truncate hearing, l think that intention has not succeeded, hearing will go on, justice will be serve in this case."

Meanwhile, the Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) and some members of Ologbo Community held a protest against the judicial delay of justice  in a case of alleged conspiracy,  kidnapping and murder of  Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community, Genesis Orji and Okuoimoise Omorodion by Chief Johnson Atselege, the Iyasere of Warri and 11 Others.

The protesters with different inscription, "Johnson is a Criminal', "Government should hear the cry of Ologbo people", "Sunny Must Get Justice, "John is a murderer" and "We need Justice" were led to the NUJ premises by president of Benin Solidarity (BSM)  Elder Curtis Eghosa Ugbo.

Addressing Newsmen, Elder Curtis Eghosa Ugbo said they were at the NUJ to register their displeasure of  judicial delay of criminal case against Chief Johnson Atselege, the Iyasere of Warri and 11 Others for alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community, Genesis Orji and Okuoimoise Omorodion.

Elder Ugbo said, "we are not happy with the judicial delay of a criminal case against one Johnson Atseleghe, the Iyasere of Warri and 11 Others who involved in the killing of innocent citizen of Ologbo Dukedon in Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo State where he is residing. He has been involved in a lot of criminal activities, for almost a year now, we have being fighting a case of conspiracy, kignapping and murder of Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community, Genesis Orji and Okuoimoise Omorodion.

"This 3 persons were killed in cold blood by Johnson Atseleghe and his boys in Ologbo Dukedom, and as you all know, we have been fighting this struggle since last year, and just two days back, some of Johnson Atseleghe's boys were captured in Ologbo Dukedom, Johnson gave them the impression that nothing will happen since he was granted bail.

“We cannot be bought, we want justice for those that had been killed unjustly by Johnson Atseleghe and his boys, some of his boys had already confessed to their crime, and we have proof of their confession; we have video evidence of their statement made to the police of their involvement in murder of Sunny Etchie, Genesis Orji and Okuoimoise Omorodion."

Also speaking, the Okaighele of Evboba Community in Ologbo Dukedom, Mr. Osarumwense Osaghae said,  "We are tired and fed up for the delay of justice over the death of our brothers, Sunny Etchie, Sunny Etchie, Genesis Orji and Okuoimoise Omorodion. 

"We are surprised that Johnson Atseleghe was granted bail, this is something that is bothering us. Is the law meant for ordinary citizen of this country? Are the rich men in our society above  the law?  This questions need answer from the authorities", he said.

Adding her voice, a lady among the protesters, Eseho Adun said, "I must say that I am still in shock while Johnson Atseleghe is working freely like a free and innocent man till date. All his boys had confessed to the police that they were sent by Johnson Atseleghe to murder our brother Sunny Etchie who was buried and later exhumed and throw into the river, and they also confessed their involvement of the murder of Genesis Orji and Okuoimoise Omorodion.

"Johnson Atseleghe suppose not to be walking freely, because as at yesterday, another of his boys who was arrested confessed that one Johnson Atseleghe sent them to kill Sunny Etchie, Genesis Orji and Okuoimoise Omorodion.

"Our demand is that, Johnson Atseleghe should be return back to prison because our people are afraid, he is still treathening our people.  Why should such man enjoy free movement in our society. He think that because he is rich and have connection to government, there is no law that will hold him.

"We are begging the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to act quickly so that the people of Ologbo community can go back to their businesses. 

"The Benins residing in Ologbo community - are they not  part of Edo state who need protection from the government?" she asked.

"Johnson Atseleghe should return to Delta where he comes from and let peace reign in our state, Edo," she appealed.

Printing of N60 Billion By CBN Was Politically Motivated, Says Chief Orbih

By The9jaTrend

                   Chief Dan Osi Orbih

     South-South National Vice Chairman 

        Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

South-South National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Osi Orbih said the outbursts and criticisms showered on the Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki over his comments on the printing of N60 billion for the payment of March salary by the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele was politically motivated.

Orbih made the remark on Monday while receiving the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin Adebo who led some youth on Courtesy Call on him in Benin City.

“I will like to use this opportunity to say something about the recent outburst of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele over the sad revelations by the Edo State governor that the federal government printed over N60billion to be able to make up the money required to pay their statutory allocations to the various tiers of government.

“To me, the outburst was political. I will like to condemn the CBN governor’s remarks because he said so much without convincing Nigerians about the economics to make the decision to print over N60billion to meet the statutory allocations”, he said.

Chief Orbih emphasised that the revelations by the Edo State governor was a clear attestation that all is not well with the nation’s economy and that if drastic measures are not taken to address the current situation, it might be worse than what happened in Uganda.

“To me, that was a public admission that all is not well with our economy.

“We need the youths to come up with ideas and programs that will help this government come out of their mess because the revelations by Godwin Obaseki is a sad reminder of what happened in Uganda under former President Idi Amin.

“No government can sustain the economy of a country with that type of abuse”, he said.

The South-South National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Chief Orbih noted that what gave the CBN governor the effontry to take on the Edo State governor was because of the enormous power vested on him just as he stressed that it would be better if such power is striped off him and cause him to be responsible and loyal to the people rather than the government that has appointed him.

“I think it is time for us as a country to make it very clear that whoever assumes the office of CBN governor should have his loyalty to the people of our country and not the government.

” That is why we must take it seriously this revelations by Godwin Obaseki.

“It is my prayer and hope that very soon the CBN must come out clearly to tell Nigerians that they have what it takes to bailout us out from this predicament”, he added.

The South-South VC added that the shocking revelation by the Edo State governor on the printing of money was a bad omen to the international community that the country is not safe and viable for businesses, stressing that instead of looking for how to correct such misfortune, he is busy trying to just his action.

“His submission that we are in a very serious financial mess was a loud message even to foreign investors that Nigeria is a-no-go-area as far as investment is concerned.

”You can not send that type of message and at the same time you want to bully those who are genuinely concerned about what is happening in our country today by threatening to ask states that borrowed money to pay up immediately”, he said.

He assured the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and his delegations of his massive support in ensuring youth inclusiveness in the nation’s politics.

Earlier, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ogundoyin Adebo, said they were in his house to congratulate him on his newly elected position as the National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), South-South and to also pledge their loyalty and support in order for him to succeed in his task of moving the party forward.

Ogundoyin pleaded with him to rally round the youths to ensure that their dreams of becoming the President and Vice.

Governor Obaseki Merely Offered A Patriotic Advise - Maduabum

By The9jaTrend

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, has reacted to the Progressive Governors Forum to join the fray in the manner it did by its recent statement stacking Governor Obaseki who merely warned the monetary authorities about the danger of  uncontrolled use of Ways and Means of printing of Nigeria currency to support government's expenditure.

In a press statement issued and signed by the Director-General of the Forum, Hon. CID Maduabum said, "is alarmed at the partisan slant a patriotic advise to the Federal Government by His Excellency,  Governor Godwin Obaseki , on its monetary policies has assumed

"It is unhelpful for the Progressive Governors Forum to join the fray in the manner it did by its recent statement attacking the bona fides of Governor Obaseki who merely warned the monetary authorities about the danger of uncontrolled use of Ways and Means, that is, the printing of Naira, to support government's expenditure.

"Governor Obaseki has a background in economics and finance and is a very responsible Governor who talks in a measured way. His advise, which by the way has been corroborated by none other than the Governor of the CBN himself, and the international ratings agency FITCH, should be heeded rather than being crucified for sounding a note of caution.

"No doubt the Federal government has been supporting the States in the area of agriculture, budget, refund of Federal Government executed projects by States and a few other areas of intervention. Is CBN trying to be vindictive and vengeful by recalling its loans to the States because of an informed advise by a Governor?. It is unfortunate that governance has plummeted to this level."

Hon. Maduabum further advised the federal government to plug financial leakages in the system and curb wasteful expenditure of billions of Naira on projects that can be executed by the private sector.

"The Federal government should plug financial leakages in the system and curb wasteful expenditure of billions of Naira on projects that can be executed by the private sector and save a lot of money in the process, thereby relying less on Ways and Means by the CBN, which brings pressure on the Naira with its inflationary consequences. Inflation in Nigeria is currently at 18.2%, the highest in recent years. We should all be concerned to find ways of stemming the tide.

"We are all involved in the urgent task of rescuing the economy of Nigeria and nobody should indeed play the OSTRICH ," he warned.

Governor Obaseki’s Statement, A Wake Up Call On President Buhari-Led Govt, Says Aiziegbemi

By The9jaTrend

Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  has thrown its weight behind Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Executive  Governor of Edo State over his statement that the Federal Government printed the sum of N60 Billion to be shared for 36 States of the federation including Federal capital Territory, Abuja.

You will recall that Governor Godwin Obaseki had in a statement recently  advised the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed to rally Nigerians to stem the obvious fiscal slide facing the country and take urgent steps to end the current monetary rascality to prevent the prevailing economic challenge from degenerating further.

Addressing newsmen on Thursday 15th April, 2021 at the party secretariat in Benin City, Edo State Chairman of PDP Dr. Tony Aziegbemi described Governor Obaseki’s statement as a wake up call on Nigerians including President Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government to revert the rising national debt of N32 trillion, 18.17 percent inflation rate and 43 percent unemployment rate in Nigeria.

The PDP Chairman who predicted that doomsday lies ahead if the federal government continue on the path of perfidy, citing over 85 percent current expenditure and less than 15 percent capital expenditure in the the 2021 budget, assured that Edo State has already developed economic plan of action to mitigate any unforseen contingency.

“We can’t continue to live on borrowing and printing of money, while relying on unstable, fluctuating and uncertainty in the price of oil. No government can plan with these factors.

“Obaseki’s comment was to alert Nigerians and policy makers at all level to begin to think how we can navigate out of the economic and financial crisis facing the Country”, he emphasised.

Aziegbemi also clears the air on the implementation of government policies by Governor Obaseki in area of job creation, provision of infrastructure through prudent management of resources in the State.

Edo State University Uzairue Matriculates 593 Students

By The9jaTrend

The Edo State University Uzairue has matriculated Five hHundred and Ninety Three (593) Students in the 2020/2021Academic Session and inducted first set of Post Graduate Students into the University.

Performing the ceremony of matriculation and induction of the students, the Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor reiterated the management commitment to ensuring that all programmes offered by the Institution are completed within the stipulated time frame.

Engr. Prof. Aluyor, used the opportunity to enumerate some of the university’s achievements to include its ranking as 3rd in Nigeria and amongst the best state owned universities in the 2018 Open Educational Resources Ranking of Nigerian Universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC), first in Nigeria to own an Anatomage, which is the most advanced digital device for the training of medical students and first university in Nigeria and West Africa to acquire the CANVAS Learning Management System (LMS) for teaching.

The Vice Chancellor, who encouraged students to make the best use of the facilities provided in the university to become grounded and employable after graduation, also warned against acts that are inimical to the university environment and the society at large.

“We have made a commitment to run all our programmes within the stipulated time for the progammes. You can attest to the fact that we have kept faith with this commitment for our undergraduates; despite the COVID pandemic, we graduated our students in 2020 as planned”, he emphasized.

While assuring the students of the university’s resolve to continue to produce the highest quality graduates, Engr. Prof. Aluyor, however appreciated the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his support in making the university achieve its set goals over the years.

Congratulating the new students for their successful admission into the world class university, Prof. Aluyor called on the parents to use the advantage of the Learning Management System (LMS) to monitor their wards academic performance at home.

Meanwhile, some of the students and parents who could not hide their joy for being among the lucky ones described the day as a dream come true.

For Miss Victory Okubi in the Department of Mass Communication, she feels blessed to be part of those that matriculated while Ebuka Izuwanne law department feels happy to be counted among those in the university.

Former Chief of Staff to former President, Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe advised the newly admitted students to direct their energies to the course for which they are in the university and savour the environment so that in the end they will be found worthy in character and in learning.

According to him, “this is one of the best universities we have in the country as at today by standards and I will like it to be the best university in Nigeria”.

There were also goodwill messages from guests who participated virtually via zoom, which included, British-Nigerian UK based Scholar/Entrepreneur, Rev. Dr. Prisca Richards, Prof. Ben Ugheoke and Charles Aloaye Asekomhe respectively.

Court Adjourns Case Against Misan Kaka To May, 2021

By The9jaTrend

                  Mr. Oritsemisan Kaka

                Lead Murder Suspect of

Late Sunny Etchie of Kolokolo Community 

The lead  suspects to the murder of the Okhaighele of Kolokolo Community, Ologbo Dukedom in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. Mr. Sunny Etchie on Tuesday. 13th day of April, 2021 appeared at the State High Court, Criminal Court 1 presided over by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba 

The suspect identified as  Mr. Oritsemisan Kaka was said to have been on the run since June last year when the victim was killed and buried and was arrested a year later.

When the matter came up for hearing, the Counsel to the accused person,  O. C Okeke informed the court that the DPP advise is being awaited.

Based on this,  the Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Efe Ikponmwonba  adjourned the case to the 26th of May 2021.

Speaking with newsmen after the adjournment,  Barrister Mathew Edaghese  counsel to late Sunny Etchie's family,  said the DPP advise is not ready and based on the previous application, there is need for extension of the order.

"Since the need has not  happened, there is need for extension of order to remand the suspect in custody till the 26th day of May 2021," he concluded.

Misan Kaka who has been at large since the kidnapping , conspiracy and  murder of the Okaeghele of Kolokolo Community, Sunny Etchie was eventually arrested a year after and he is being arraigned separately.

Misan Kaka  is  facing trial for the kidnapping, conspiracy and murder of Sunny Etchie , Okaeghele of Kolokolo in Ologbo Dukedom of Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo state.

   

                    

I Determine What Happens In My Community Land - Ohen Dares Oba, Govt.

ByThe9jaTrend

The Community Development Associations CDA in communities and villages in Edo State seem to have staged a deadly comeback against the backdrop of the position of the the palace of the Oba of Benin and Edo State government on land allocation, land grabbing and double dealing on land matters. 

The latest, among hundreds of such victims who are helpless and have lost their lands and property to the avarice of the CDA leadership is the Former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council and Principal Editor, Sparknewsnaija, Otunba Mike ALADENIKA, who at a press conference in Benin City alleged that the OHEN of OKHUOROMI village in Benin City, Chief  Ovbokhan Igbinovia trespassed "on my land measuring 100 × 100 feet at Okhuoromi, destroyed the foundation of two blocks of three bedroom flats built up to DPC level and sold the land to someone else.."

Mike Aladenika  who was armed with a video playback of relics of the destroyed property, his petition to relevant authorities among other documents said " I am forced to cry out now because I have realized that there are hundreds of innocent person out there who have suffered the same victimisation but were helpless.

"Can you imagine that the same Ohen validly allocated the said land to his cousin, UYI ENADEGHE, who sold the said land to me, to the knowledge of the Ohen as he Personally facilitated the documentation and signing of the deed of transfer, years back.

"The Ohen collected his traditional respect and acknowledgement from me, while the OKAIGHELE (youth leader) collected the sum of hundred thousand naira (100,000 Naira) from me in lieu of  the required traditional cooking and they asked me to commence work on the land.

"All these happened about three years ago. Between then and December 2020, there was no contention on the land until the Ohen, Chief  Ovbokhan Igbinovia, came to encroach, destroyed and resold the land to one UCHE".

The former NUJ Chairman while fielding questions from Journalists on efforts made to retrieve his property before now said " I have approach so many well meaning Edo citizens to talk to him to make him see reason. A principal officer of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), top political leaders and some of his friends who were privy to my ownership of the land called and severally met with him all to no avail.

"Rather for him to retrace his steps even when some people told him that his action to have demolished foundation is a forbidden act, he said he is the one that can determine whatever happens in his domain, stressing that he is not subject to any other authorities.

"My fear now is that my life is been threatened because I am asking for what rightly belongs to me but I have my mind made up that I will not give up on this crusade as this will also liberate many who are currently suffering the same issue."

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS!!!

.   High Chief Tom Ikimi, FNIA, KSG, CON

                 The Inneh of Igueben

             The Akinrogun of Ife Is 77!

Chief Tom Ikimi, your dedication, determination, and vision inspires us to always give our best. You have always been so inspiring to us and it is our pleasure and pride to be able to work with you. 

On behalf of all PDP members in Edo State, We wish you a very happy birthday, good health and God’s guidance as you continue to support, guide and counsel us in the upcoming years.

HEARTY CHEERS TO PASTOR ITUAH IGHODALO

Dear Pastor Ituah Ighodalo

            60 Hearty Cheers to you Sir! 

Words are not enough to express the joy of seeing you attain such lofty height in God's vineyard as a Preacher of the Gospel.

I like to join millions of your friends and family to wish you Happy Birthday.

 I wish you long life in divine health and prosperity. I also wish you increased Grace and Wisdom. 

In your constituency, your Local Government Area, Esan South-East in particular and Edo State in general, we are proud of what you represent and value you have brought thus far in supporting this Government of Governor Godwin N. Obaseki to liberate us from the shackle of "dark forces". We are forever grateful. 

I'm particularly happy to use this opportunity of your Birthday to say Thank you! Thank you and Thank you!!

May God continue to Bless and Increase you in all fronts.

Congratulations!

.                            Signed:

                Hon. Peter I. AGUELE 

       Immediate Past Executive Chairman             Esan South-East Local Govt. Council

Create Enabling Environment For Citizens to Earn Good Living - EDUOW - Urges Edo Govt.

By The9jaTrend

As Christians across the world marked the death and resurrection of our Lord and savour Jesus Christ, the Edo Dynasty United Organization Worldwide, in the spirit of the celebration appealed to Edo State government led by Mr. Godwin Obaseki to create an enabling environment for its citizens to earn a good living.

       Comrade Brown Ehigie Osemwengie

                 President and Founder 

       Edo Dynasty United Organization                              Worldwide (EDUOW)

In a telephone interview with The9jaTrend, President and Founder of the Organization, Comrade Brown Ehigie Osemwengie charged Christians  to imbibe the culture of love, tolerance and forgiveness noting that the Almighty God is the author of love, reminding them,  "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whoever believed in him will not perish but have eternal life." 

He urged Christians and non Christians to love their neighbours as themselves just same manner our Lord Jesus Christ loved the Church for that is the true way to achieve a better and peaceful society noting that without peace there cannot be meaningful development which is in line with the Vision of Edo Dynasty Organization for Edo state.

"Today Easter Sunday, we thought it necessary to reach out to the less privileged and the needing in our society, hence members of Benin branch of the Organization were organized to visit different Orphanage Home and Hospitals to give out food items and facilitate with them for the restoration of Hope by our Lord and Savour Jesus Christ," he said.

While encouraging Nigerians to be law abiding citizens, Comrade Osemwengie called on other NGO’s to take a cue from  Edo Dynasty United Organization Worldwide by providing forvthe needing in the society and also appealing to Edo state government to create an enabling environment for the citizens to earn a good living.

"Edo Dynasty United Organization Worldwide's dream is to see Edo State be  turn into the Dubia of West Africa just as the heartbeat of Nation, and we can only achieve this by becoming responsible citizens so as to encourage investors to make it happen, government can not do it allow, it’s a collective responsibility," he emphasized.

In a related development, the Benin branch of  Edo Dynasty United Organization Worldwide, in line with Christian faith for brethren to love one another paid a humanitarian visit to Uyiosa Orphanage Home in Benin City, Edo State capital with gift and food items which included Cartons of Indomie, Creates of Eggs, Sanitaries, Bags of Rice and Beans, Toothpastes, etc. 

The Matron of Uyiosa Orphanage Home home, Mrs. Sarah Amadin while receiving the delegation led by it's State Administrator, Comrade Efe Bevy thanked the initiator and prayed to God Almighty  to promote the Organisation to greater heights.

The visitation to Orphanage Home and hospital is part of the activities lined up for the Organization's Annual Easter reach-out project in memorial celebration of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ who despite his divine mission was condemned and crucified for the sins of mankind.

Members of the Benin Branch of Edo Dynasty United Organization Worldwide also visited some hospitals across Benin metropolis to facilitate with them in the spirit of Easter celebration. 

The Benin branch members of the Organisation were also at the front of Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City for show of love to beggars in our society by distributing food items to them.

Speaking to newsmen, the Edo State Administrator. Comrade Efe Bevy said the Organization will continue to do its best to elevate the suffering of the downtrodden in the society.