There was a mass protest around a Benin High Court premises where the case of murder brought against the Iyatsere of Warri, Johnson Atseleghe, was been heard.
The protest was by Elder Curtis Eghosa Ugbo led Benin Solidarity Movement( BSM), and its IgheleEdo Civil Defence/ Security Services with placard carrying citizens of Ologbo community demanding that the case be transferred to another court, as they have lost confidence in the presiding judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba.
They accused the judge of being compromised. One of the placards read,”we need justice for Sunny Etchie, the Okhaigele of Kolokolo community. Killers should not be allowed to move freely in our society.”
Also, the protesters moved to the state Police Command to lay their complain. They asked the Police to look into the alleged invitation of the Enogie and some members of the community for questioning when they are fully aware that they are fighting for the people.
Meanwhile, the court, has adjourned the case to November 26th 2020. Atseleghe is the leader of Itsekiri in oil-rich Ologbo Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
The defendant is being tried for the murder of Okuomuose Omorodion and Genesis Orji in Ologbo Community in charge sheet no B/co/717m/20. The offence contravened Sections 324 punishable under the Criminal Code Act , Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and Section 2 (2) and punishable under section 3 of 00 prohibition (Amendment) Law , 2013 of Edo State.
At the sitting on Thursday, the accused, Johnson Atseleghe was not present in court, and the prosecutor told the court that DPP advise is being awaited.
It would be recalled that lawyer to Atseleghe in the last sitting told the court that Atseleghe would be available in the court anytime he is needed.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, however adjourned the case to November, 26, 2020 for awaiting the DPP advice.
