MURDER OF SUNNY ETCHIE: Benson Ayokotse, Inspector Ayodele Concludes Evidence

…As Case Adjourns To 15th October 2021 For Hearing

By Simeon OSAJIE

Hearing in the case of The State Versus Chief Johnson Atseruleghe, Iyasere of Warri, and 8 Others in the alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and brutal murder of Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaeghele of Kolokolo Community in Ologbo Dukedom, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria has been adjourned to 15th of October 2021 for continuation of hearing.

At today’s hearing (4th October, 2021), the 1st and 2nd Public Witness, PW1 Benson Ayokotse and PW 2, Inspector Isaac Ayodele concluded their evidence.

Also in today’s, hearing, the bail application for the 9th Defendant, Missah Kakah was held and the ruling was reserved for the next adjournment date.

Arguing bail for his client, Barrister Etsite Robinson, moved a motion for the bail of Missah Kakah. He prayed the Honourable Court to grant him bail.

He adopted the content of the Affidavit both the written and oral addresses as regards his submission.

He asked his Lordship to discontinue paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Counter Affidavit as the said contains in Section 115 of the Evidence Act.

“We are making our submission on the ground that we have a good case, so we are asking Your Lordship to look into the two witness which testified did not make any case against the suspect. The Applicant is not the one that will jump bail if granted,” Etsite Robinson Esq. opined.

Opposing the bail application, the State Counsel, Mrs. Osasu Ewemande, adopted her affidavit. She told the Court that the applicant has not shown enough evidence to prove to the court why he should be granted bail.

Haven listen to both Counsels, the trial judge, Honourable Justice Mary Ituseli ajourned the case to October 15, 2021 for Ruling and Continuous Hearing.

Chief Johnson Atselege and 8 Others are currently being arraigned for alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and brutal murder of Mr. Sunny Etchie, the Okaighele of Kolokolo Community of Ologbo Dukedom in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

All the  9 Accused Persons including, Chief Johnson Atseruleghe, the Iyatsere of Warri,  Felicia Otikpere, female – 55; Oluwa Esimije – 38; Monday Iluwa – 58; Ayokotse Robinson – 54; Nosa Omoregie – 54; Mofe Samuel – 40; Magnanimous Omawumi – 40; Ayuwa Mofe – 65, Amerete Ejiro – 25, Onyeburutan Jeffrey – 25 and Benjamin Erewa – 39 were present in Court.