Call Edo State Vigilante Coordinator To Order - BSM Advises Gov. Obaseki

....ensure they operates according to the rule of engagement by the Constitutional Laws of Human Rights 

 By The9jaTrend

President, Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) Worldwide has called on Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to call leadership of the Edo State Community Vigilante Security Network to order and advise them to ensure a proper profiling and discipline of their men/women operatives according to the rule of engagement by the constitutional laws of human rights, securing the lives and properties of the citizens of the State in particular and Nigerians in general.

In a press statement issued and signed by the  President of BSM, Elder Curtis Eghosa Ugbo stated that the nefarious activities of some boys in Edo State hiding under the newly mandated Security - Edo State Community Vigilante Security Network perpetrate crime in the state.

The President of BSM statement reads, "Our attention have been drawn to the nefarious activities of some unrepentant and unscrupulous secret society (cultists) boys in Edo State hiding under the newly mandated Security Team - Edo State Vigilante Network by the Edo State Government to perpetrate crime and criminalities in the Benin KINGDOM cum Edo State is unacceptable.

"We wish to use this medium to call on the Edo State Governor - Mr. Godwin Obaseki to call the Coordinators of the Vigilante Security Network to order and advise them to ensure a proper profiling and discipline of their men/women operatives according to the rule of engagement by the constitutional laws of human rights, securing the lives and properties of the citizens of the State in particular and Nigerians in general.

"The laudable initiative started very well, but some unscrupulous elements amongst them are trying to tarnish the image of others who are diligent in their duties to ensure law enforcement and order in the State; These bad elements should not be tolerated and handled with kid gloves."

He added, “what happened along Sapele Road by Santana Market axis was worrisome, as such is not what the vigilantes are met for.

"The security of the State, the citizens lives and properties should be paramount and not to be compromised."

Nationwide Protest: PUWOV Apologizes To Obayuwana, Edo Civil Society

By The9haTrend

Edo State government agency, Public Works Volunteers Scheme (PUWOV) has tender unreserved apologies to Edo State former Attorney-General, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana and the entire Civil Societies across the State over Monday 31st, May, 2021 fracas  between some members of PUWOV and the activists at the New Benin axis of the state capital.

In a statement issued and signed by the Edo State Coordinator of the  the government agency, Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie reads,  "Our attention has been drawn to a video clip trending on the social media wherein some of our officials were involved in an encounter with some members of the Edo State branch of  Civil Society Actors and Human Right Activists who were on a protest March at the New Benin area of the state capital."

"As a very responsible Agency of the Edo State government and in resonance with Mr. Governor's belief in the Rule of Law and respect for citizens' rights, we indeed regret whatever may have transpired on that said date which was occasioned by a distress call received by our intelligence unit to the effect that some suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were gathering around the New Benin area to disrupt the peace of the area. 

"In a bid to be proactive and prevent any possible breakdown of law and order in the area, it is believed that our officials on duty who were ordinarily acting in good faith, may have overzealously, acted in an unprofessional manner, not minding the laid-down mode of operations of the agency.

"We condemn the actions of these officials, in strong terms, and hereby  tender our unreserved apology to the entire members of these Bodies, in general and most expecially, our highly respected Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, a foremost Human Rights Activist, a former Attorney- General of Edo State and a very distinguished legal practitioner, who we hold in high esteem," the statement opined.

 It would be recalled that members of the Civil Society in Edo State joined their counterparts across the country on a peaceful National March to protest the state of the Nation which later led to a face off between the protesters and some officials of PUWOV.

Restore Already Polluted Ecosystem In Niger-Delta Region - ERA/FoEN, Civil Society Groups Urges Fed. Govt.

By The9jaTrend

As the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), joins the global community in commemorating this year’s World Environment Day with the theme 'Ecosystem Restoration,' the ERA/FoEN, Civil Society Groups and its Allies has called on the Federal, State and Local Governments of Nigeria to put in place clear policies and regulations that would ensure the sustainability of our ecosystems in line with the United Nations policies on ecosystem restoration by setting achievable targets for implementation.

The United Nations has set aside June 5, every year as a day of shared global reflection and action towards protecting our environment. This year’s world environment day theme is incredibly significant because it calls on all of us to do our parts in protecting our ecosystems in these uncertain times.

In a press statement issued during the ERA/FoEN event to mark the World Environment Day in Port Harcourt, Mike Karikpo, Esq., Programmes Director and Administration, ERA/FoEN, explained,  "ecosystems are dynamic communities of plants, animals and microorganisms interacting with the physical environment, landscapes, lakes, and oceans.

"However, owing to human activities especially since the advent of the industrial revolution and a neoliberal economic ideology that prioritizes profit over sustainability, ecosystems are being degraded at astronomical rates across the world and many ecosystems may have been destroyed irreversibly.

"Ecosystems across the world support life on earth and considering the multiple crises we face such as the climate crisis, the corona virus pandemic, financial and economic crisis, time is of the essence. We need to act now to save our planet and save lives as we know it.

"The United Nations has therefore set aside 2021-2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Degraded and destroyed ecosystems already cost the global economy 10% of its annual output and without concerted global actions to preserve, restore and enhance the viability of our ecosystems, our capacity to make progress in critical areas such as education, health and employment will be greatly compromised."

According to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem restoration 2021 -2030, “the restoration of 350 million hectares of degraded terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems could generate $9 trillion in ecosystem services. Restoration could also remove 13 to 26 gigatons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The economic benefits of such interventions exceed nine times the cost of investment, whereas inaction is at least three times more costly than ecosystem restoration.”

But Dr Godwin Ojo, Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, stated that, “Restoring the ecosystem will enhance biodiversity, clean polluted rivers and contaminated soil and improve local livelihoods of our people.”

He stated further that, "ecosystem restoration will enhance capacity of our soils and forests to store greenhouse gases rather than the false solutions of carbon capture and storage facilities that do not cut emissions at source and poses grave danger to ecosystems.

“The crucial challenge requires a post petroleum economy through deep transformation in global production and consumption patterns. Therefore, ecosystem restoration requires concerted actions at local, national and international levels focusing on a pragmatic shift towards a sustainable decarbonized development pathway before it is too late.”

According to the intergovernmental Science -policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, millions of species are threatened with extinction due to human activities.  Seventy-five per cent of our land has been severely altered in the last five decades; 66 per cent of our ocean area is experiencing cumulative impacts; and more than 85 per cent of our wetlands have been lost.

Chief Saint Emma Pii, member, Bodo Council of Chiefs, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria stated that, “our surest way of escaping the looming danger is to live in harmony with nature. Our survival as a species, the survival of other organisms and the future of our planet can be restored if communities are allowed to manage their resources and involved in environmental protection and conservation.” 

He stated further that, “the clean-up of the polluted Ogoniland will hopefully restored the degraded ecosystems.”

Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, civil society groups and its allies, urge: "The Nigerian state, (local, state, and national) to put in place clear policies and regulations that would ensure the sustainability of our ecosystems in line with the United Nations policies on ecosystem restoration by setting achievable targets for implementation."

ERA/FoEN further calls for the urgent restoration of the polluted Ogoniland ecosystems and the entire Niger Delta region ecosystem within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030.  

Ecosystem restoration work should focus on addressing the actual sources of environmental degradation, so that the removal mechanism does not become business as usual in the continuation of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere.

End gas flaring Now to restore Niger Delta ecosystems,

Commit to energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to reduce the rate of environmental degradation and ecosystem disturbance.

Put in place proper land governance legislation that would enhance proper land use and planning. This will require radical reform or wholesale abrogation of the current Land Use Act which has led to dispossession and caused untold hardship to our communities.

Put in place rules that addresses land grabbing, solid waste management and grant easy access to justice for people and communities impacted by the deleterious actions of corporations. 

Set up Community Resource Centers that would train communities to manage ecosystem resources and share local best practices on living in harmony with nature and community based forests management systems that ensures environmental sustainability.

To conclude, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration will be a mirage unless concerted and genuine effort is made to provide finance and set targets to reduce the rate of deforestation and ecosystems disturbance by the number and scope of ecosystems restored, improved biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience for the health of Mother Earth and wellbeing of people.

We Are Committed To Healthcare Delivery - Edo Deputy Assures

By The9jaTrend

Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu said that the state government is committed to the welfare and security of the people by providing quality healthcare services to the people. 

  

The deputy governor who was represented by the immediate past Chairperson, Etsako East Council, Mrs. Benedicta Ebuehi stated this during the flagg off of the 2nd Free Medical Outreach organized by the College of Medical Sciences of Edo State University Uzairue in collaboration with the Central Hospital Auchi.

She noted that the Edo State University has been at the forefront of specialist healthcare and has contributed immensely to the healthcare need of Edo North people.

While taking notes of the challenges being faced by the Edo state university, said government would soon attend to them. 

"The deputy governor is our son and a gentle son that doesn't joke with any matter of his people, and I believe once he becomes aware of the challenges, he will step up action and take it to the governor where they can speedily addressed."

She said healthcare is a major agenda of Edo State government especially Edo North people because it is the deputy governor’s constituency.

She assured that the deputy governor is very proud of what is happening today adding that what is important to him is the welfare of his people. "When his people are healthy, happy and accomplished, then, he can say the deputy governor is accomplished.”

She however promised to convey to the government all the challenges raised at the event and assured that the needful will be done.

The deputy governor representative used the opportunity to take a tour of the Auchi Central Hospital and commissioned some projects executed by the Edo University, Uzairue such as the newly renovated and extension mortuary and the Histopathology Laboratory Complex.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor said that the College of Medical Sciences in its 4 years of existence has achieved great feats in many areas, adding that the 2nd free medical outreach of the College of Medical Sciences is part of the university's Corporate Social Responsibility to give back to the society and communities in Edo state. 

This includes free, quality and accessible medical health care and also to create awareness for the Central Hospital Auchi as a Teaching facility for Edo state university Uzairue Medical College.

The VC further added that the university has a Teaching Hospital project that is nearing completed but due to the immediate need to meet up with training of students, the university entered into an agreement to use the Stella Obasanjo Hospital and Central Hospital as Teaching facilities until her Teaching Hospital is ready for use. 

Prof. Aluyor further stated that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria during the visit for accreditation has given approval to the Medical students who are in their 500 level to sit for the MBBS part 2 exams in the field of Pharmacology and Pathology. 

He said haven observed the deficiencies, the Council advised that the university moved her medical students from Edo Special Hospital Benin City to Central Hospital Auchi on the ground that patients load at the Central Hospital Auchi can be improved and that investment could be made to improve the facilities at the hospital. 

The Vice Chancellor while thanking the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for the continuous support to the university, used the opportunity to solicit government's speedy completion of the ongoing Teaching Hospital project in the university. 

Appreciating the Chancellor of the University, Dr. Makanjuola, Etsako Club 81 and Dako Foundation for their support towards the free Medical outreach, called on all sons and daughters of Edo North to help create awareness for the Central Hospital Auchi, and to complement the university's efforts by contributing toward the upgrade of the Central Hospital Auchi. 

Welcoming guests at the occasion, the Provost College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Sylvester Idogun said that health they say is wealth saying if one is healthy that is only condition he can go about other activities. 

"Education is very important because if you educate a nation, community, you have set the community on the part of progress, Edo state university is educating the people and also delivery healthcare services to the people."

Speaking to newsmen, Founder Dako Foundation for Rural Health Care and Education, Dr. Dako Mamudu said that the launching of the Free Medical Outreach will bring in over a hundred experts in healthcare delivery which will have a positive impact in the health of the people especially in Edo north.

According to him, the target is good healthcare to the people both primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare delivery.

He advised the people to collaborate with the foundation by contributing physically, financially, mentally and otherwise.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Mrs Imoisili Udoka expressed gratitude regarding the partnership with the Edo State University, Uzairue.

She described it as a golden opportunity that would not be missed.

She, however, expressed optimism that some of the challenges facing the hospital that need to be upgraded will be attended to in no distant time.

A REBUTTAL TO USING ESAN POPULATION AND VOTING FIGURES AS MEANS OF RESOURCE AND POWER ALLOCATIONS IN EDO STATE

BY:

          Francis Ilenloa Igberaese, Ph.D

It is pure nonsense using data occasioned by immigration to determine how resources, especially positions in government are allocated in Edo State, because apart from the incorrectness of the census figures, progress in under-developing countries requires geographical mobility of labour from the less developed region to the more developed region. Its attendant "backwash effects" cannot therefore be avoided.

It is tricky and dishonest to use only location or residency data as means of resource allocation if "spread effects" is the focus of our developmental goal, instead of also using indegeneous data. 

Experts in development matters also posist that given the disadvantage destinies of less developed countries in the development matrix (e.g. dualism of the economy), we have no need holding fast to unscrupulous geographical or residency data, otherwise, labour would be scare in where it they are most needed.

For example, Benin is the capital city of Edo State, which is not natural but artificial. All Ministries, Parastatals and industries are located there. These easily attract, especially, the closet people both in geographical proximity and progenitor linage (as Esans are to the Binis) to supply labour to that part. 

If Ekpoma or any other part of Esanland were made the capital, as the case of Asaba in Delta State, the Binis too would have moved to Esanland. 

Therefore, since where becomes the capital city is not a design of nature but artificial of us humans, it would be injustice to fully use data occasioned by immigration as means of allocation. If any part of Esan is made capital today in a new state and Esan people in Benin go home, Benin will almost be emptied (especially the two metropolitan LGs of Ikpoba Okha and Egor) and have the problem of quality labour force.

Take for example, Lagos, which hosted almost all tribes in Nigeria before the capital city of Nigeria was moved to Abuja. Could Lagos have then claimed that everything would  be for the Yoruba without being equitable? it is in the way the northern would claim that power and everything should emain in the north since they are more in number, irrespective of the number of southerners residing  in the capital city of Abuja and other parts of the North..   

If I may ask, besides the three metropolitan LGs of Edo South (Benin), is there any of the other four where results from any election has been so significantly different from those of Ekpoma and Uromi? This is a pointer that election results from Benin are of the combinations of all, including those of Esan people, who are influenced by the views of their people back home. 

Calling everybody to go home has never been honest and would not work. Hence, LG of origin of all persons and for all purposes are boldly filled in all forms irrespective of residency. That too, must be considered in resource allocations, if (even) development is the target.

Commotion Within Court Premises Caused The Adjournment Of Murder Case Against Atseleghe, 11 Others

By The9jaTrend

Benin High Court of Justice, Criminal Court 2 has adjourned case against Chief Johnson Atseleghe and 11 Others in the alleged murder of Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community, in Ologbo Dukedom, Edo State, to  11th June, 2021 for continuous hearing due to  security threat within the court premises.

At today's hearing, when the case was slated  to be heard,  there was a commotion and loud noise outside the Court which no one could ascertain what was going on, but there was serious altercation outside the court.

Information later filter into the court hall that it was not safe for the sitting to continue and the judge have to quickly adjourn so that the situation can calm down. 

Counsel to the 8th Accused Person, Ighedosa Imandegbelo, SAN,  during the brief break led other Counsels to the judge's chamber for a short meeting.

Though no one could really say the root cause of the pandemonium, but  the  court have to formerly adjourn to 11th of June 2021 for continuation.

It was later gathered that, the Edo vigilantes around the court premises made an attempt to arrest one of the suspects who came with Chief Johnson Atseleghe outside the Court.

Meanwhile, one of the suspects in the cold blooded murder of late Sunny Etchie, the Okaeghele of Kolokolo in Ologbo Dukedom, Micah Kaka was formerly arraigned in Court today and his plea equally taken. 

                         Micah Kaka

Micah Kaka who was eventually arrested after a year is being arraigned for conspiracy,  kidnapping and murder of the Okaeghele of Kolokolo in Ologbo Dukedom Sunny Etchie.

The presiding judge, His Lordship, Justice Mary Ituseli  adjourned the case to 23rd of June 2021 for continuation.

Former Edo ADP Chairman Congratulates Obaseki Over Victory At Supreme Court

By The9jaTrend

Former members of Edo State Chapter of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) under the leadership of Oloruntobi has congratulated Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Executive Governor of Edo State and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu on their victory at the Supreme Court.

In a Press Statement Issued and signed made available to newsmen by former Edo State Chairman of party, Hon. Gabriel  Oloruntobi said that the party members are happy to be part of the victory as they did not hesitate to throw their support behind the aspiration of the governor.

Hon. Oloruntobi statement reads, "I write on behalf of the founding members of Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Edo State to congratulate the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, His Excellency, Comrade Philip Shaibu on their victory at the Supreme Court in the journey through the tribunals and lower courts which were needless and time wasting.

"We are happy to be part of this victory as we did not hesitate to throw our support behind the aspiration of His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki by collapsing all our structures into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State that has ensured the victory of Governor Obaseki and his deputy in the Gubernatorial Election held on September 19, 2020."

Going further, the former ADP Chairman emphasized that the party had earlier disowned the purported challenge of Governor Obaseki's victory at the tribunals by the National  body of Action Democratic Party (ADP).

"We had earlier disowned the purported challenge of Governor Obaseki's victory at the tribunals by the National  body of Action Democratic Party (ADP), an action that brought the State chapter of ADP on a collusion with the National Office. Today, the rest is history as we have resolved to move on with PDP in the State."

He therefore appealled to Governor Obaseki to quickly constitute the State Executive Council while imploring him to accommodate and carry all those that contributed to his victory along while constituting his team.

"I wish to appeal to the Governor to settle down quickly and constitute his Executive in his bid to Make Edo Great Again.

"I also implore His Excellency, Governor Obaseki to carry all those that contributed to this victory along while constituting his team to the extent that everyone will be opportuned  to contribute his or her quota to the greatness of the State.

"Finally, l beseech God to grant Your Excellency the wisdom and the will to take far reaching decisions that will put Edo State on a pedestal devoid of godfatherism deceit and corruption," he opined.

Obaseki Reassures of Sustained Development as Edo Holds Victory March

By The9jaTrend

 

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday, led Edo people  party faithful and other supporters to a victory parade across major streets and roads in Benin metropolis, to celebrate his victory at the Supreme Court.

The Five-Man Supreme Court’s panel of justices had on May 28, 2021 upheld the ruling of the Appeal Court, which dismissed the alleged certificate forgery suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the Governor, during the 2020 Governorship Election.

Speaking to party faithful in front of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) complex, Governor Obaseki reassured that his administration will continue to work for the development of the State and wellbeing of the people.

“The kind of attitude they started in Edo to cage the State is what is going on in Nigeria today. We don't have much resources in Edo but we have been able to utilize the little we have in developing the state.

“Until we change our mindset and mentality that taxpayers’ money is meant to work for people, development will be out of reach. Unless we change our mentality and mindset, Nigeria will not move forward. We have to pray to God so that what happened in Edo will also happen in Nigeria," he assured.

Noting that the victory at the Supreme Court has put an end to godfatherism in the State, Obaseki added that, “the fight all this while is for us to cooperate with a few persons to share Edo commonwealth; they want us to continue to feed godfathers. If I had agreed, there would not be any fight in the first place.”

He continued: "This victory is to work for Edo people and develop the State. We must not go back but Edo must move forward. We have embarked on this victory march to thank Edo people, as the victory belongs to God and Edo people. Through your support and determination, you have shown that Edo is Edo, not Lagos or Imo.

"We thank God for the victory of the Supreme Court judgement. In the election, Edo people cast their vote for our party but APC didn’t have respect for Edo people as they took us to court and wanted to turn the people’s mandate by all means; but God saw us through the battle.”

"GOD TOOK HIS DECISION"

By Mrs Philomena Ihenyen,

Former Zonal Secretary of the South- South Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 

I have read the congratulatory messages from our brothers, Pastor Ize Iyamu and former Governor Comrade Aliu Oshiomhole to our Governor, Godwin Obaseki. 

To be frank, that's expected.  Having watched the political scenario since 1999, it would have been surprising if it was otherwise. If there is any credit ever to be given to our former Governor Oshiomhole, it's the special Grace he has to apologise after every blunder he makes. 

I do not quite agree to some of the insinuations from our political interest groups that it was time for our amiable Governor to take his pound of flesh. God has fought His battles and given us victory. Fortunately, our Governor, a God fearing man, has always acknowledged God's hands in his mandate. The battle was never his, and he has been vindicated. 

What we need at this time is a total healing for the sake of the State. There are no permanent friends or foes in politics, but permanent interests. The general interests and benefits of the people of the State is paramount. We don't do the State any good by heightening the  polity, especially on social media platforms. We need to douce the political space for a better atmosphere for peace to strive for every Edolite.

The demands by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu are too quick and misplaced at this time. He should remember that it's just God's Grace and the good will of Edo people that have sustained our Governor all through this trying period. He needs time to process all that had happened all through these months of litigations. Time they say is a healer.

I will advise my brother, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, as a man of God to be genuine in his heart and by his actions and prevail on his faithfuls to remember that there is only one Government and one Governor at a time. The Governor today in Edo State is Governor Godwin Obaseki.  

This Government  I know recognises constructive criticisms but surely I also  do know will not condone the Lions and Tigers challenging the established authorities and the law abiding citizens of Edo State. He must be seen as a recognised political leader in his own right working to see that the Governor succeeds in making Edo great  for the benefit of every Edolite. 

Congratulations again to our "wake and see Governor" and the good people of Edo State. 

Long Live Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)!

Long Live Edo State!!

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!

PDP, POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Alleged Murder Case: Court Adjourns Sitting To 2nd June For Continuation Of Hearing

By The9jaTrend

Case between Edo State Versus Iyasere of Warri,  Chief Johnson Atselege and 11 Others in the alleged murder of Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community, in Ologbo Dukedom, Edo State, Nigeria has been adjourned to 2nd June, 2021 based on an Application by 8th Defendants Counsel, Ighedosa Imandugbelo SAN.

The State Counsel, Ewemade esq. had informed the court that the witness, PW 1, Sgt Otoide Marvelous who was in the witness box as at the last adjourned date was involved in gas accident which resulted to severe burnt all over his body and has been hospitalised.

Ewamade Esq further bring in an application before the court seeking to expunge the evidence of the witness PW 1  so far, that PW 1 might spend a long time before he recover so that the other witness PW 2  who was available in the court will be taken pending when the PW 1 will be well and fit to come back to court.

Counsel to the 8th Defendant, Ighedosa Imamdugbelo SAN objected, and demanded for proof of evidence that PW 1 was actually involved in gas accident.

State counsel, Ewemade Esq tendered video evidence of PW 1 actually involved in gas accident. 

Ighedosa Imamdugbelo SAN again objected and said that since there is know substantial evidence to prove that the  PW1 was actually involved in gas accident, seek the permission of the court to send the Court Registrar to go verify in the hospital if really the PW1 had a gas accident.

After much arguments, the 8th Defendant's Counsel, ask for an adjournment to enable the state counsel tender before the court medical report and photographs to buttress her claim.

The Presiding Judge, His Lordship, Justice Mary Ituseli then adjourned the case to 2nd June, 2021 to enable the State Counsel tender before the court the Medical report and photographs of evidence that the PW 1 was actually involved in gas accident.

Chief Johnson Atselege and 11 Others are being arraigned for alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community in Ologbo Dukedom, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

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, 2021 of Edo State.

All the 8 accused persons including Chief Johnson Atselege were present at the court.

Responding to questions from newsmen after the sitting, Counsel to the family of late Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community, Barr. Matthew Edaghese said, "The court adjourned for continuation of trial today, then unfortunately the witness PW 1 who was in the witness box as at the last adjourned date, who was doing very well turning out very damming testimony against the defendants before the objection by the Defence Counsel  that they are objecting to the voluntariness of that statement which in any way was voluntary by every definition of the word “voluntariness”.  

"But the court was mindful to grant the application for adjournment at their instance, hoping that today (31/5/21) we will do the trial within trial. 

"Unfortunately, between that day and now, something strength happen - the witness (PW 1) who was very healthy, very articulate on the last adjourned date, had a mysterious gas accident and suffer severe burnt all over his body. As we speak now, he is in critical condition receiving treatment in the hospital.

"So, the State Counsel has duly informed the court of this very worry development, the State Counsel wanted the court to expunge the evidence of the witness  (PW 1) so far because he might spend a long time before he recover, so that the other witness (PW 2) who was available in the court will be taken pending when the witness (PW 1) will be well and fit to come back to court.

"But strangely, the same people who made an Application for adjournment that day repeated their Application for another adjournment, they opted for an adjournment instead of doing the needful; let the trial go on unhindered. 

"The 2nd witness  (PW 2) would have be taken today based on the Application of the State Counsel, but they objected, instead they wanted the adjournment that will further stop this trial and the court was minded to grant that Application. 

"So an adjournment was  granted till 2nd day of June, 2021 so that the proper evidence, according to them that they said they want to see evidence and proof whether the PW 1 actually suffered burnt.

"Of course, the State Counsel showed them the video evidence on her phone, they said no, that they want it to be properly official. I don’t know what is more evidential than what you see and verify.  I know these are gamest to delay trial, but then trial could be delay but justice will never be deny in this case," he emphasized.