By Okhide Em’ya David
Attempts by Defense Counsel to dismiss charges against accused persons including Chief Johnson Atsheleghe in the alleged Kidnap and murder of the Okhaigele of Kolokolo Community, Mr. Sunny Etchie failed today at the Criminal Court 4 of the Edo State High Court.
Crime correspondent Wellington Akodeja reports that two other suspects who allegedly murdered two persons in ologbo community, Genesis Orji and Okhuoimose Omorodion were also arraigned.
Counsel to to Chief Johnson Atseleghe, Barr. Ighedosa Imadigbelo told the court that there is a substantive application which awaits ruling in the previous court.
He said the application is praying the court to dismiss the charges against his client chief Johnson Atseleghe as the matter is being investigated at the office of Inspector General of police, Mr Adams Mohammed in Abuja.
However, the state counsel Barr. Osasu Ewemade quickly raised an objection submitting that since the case is new in court, the defense counsel should file a fresh application.
The presiding Judge, Hon justice Mary Itsueli having listened to the arguments dismissed the prayer of the defense counsel, saying that it is procedural for her to continue from where the previous Judge, justice Ohimai Ovbiagele stopped.
Counsel to the other seven defendants Barr. O T Okeke said he was relying on the application, preliminary objection and submission of his Colleague Barr..Imadigbelo that charges against his Clients should also be dismissed.
The State Counsel Barr Osasu Ewedemade objected in strong terms that Edo state police command has already concluded investigation on the matter.
The trial judge justice Mary Itsuili adjourned the case to 21st of April 2021. All suspects in the case including Felicia Otikpere, Oluwa Esimije, Monday Iluwa, Ayokotse Robinson , Nosa Omoregie, Mofe Samuel, Benjamin Erewa and the Iyasele of warri, Chief Johnson Atseleghe, were ducked.
Similarly, the court also heard the case of Genesis Orji and okhuoimose omorodion who were both killed in ologbo
Both accused persons Austine Olokor and Oluwa Isimije were placed in the duck.
There was however a mild drama when the judge was told that one of them had no case file.
The revelation led to a heated argument and the judge ordered the counsels to ensure that the police take Statement of the suspect and produce him in the next adjourned date.
Justice Mary Itsuili adjourned the matter to 28 of April 2021.
