Chief Johnson Atsetuleghe Remanded By Court Over Damage To Edo Govt Properties
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 1 has ordered a formal bail application be filed for the defendant, Chief John Atsetuleghe, the lyasere of Warri, for alleged offenses of conspiracy, malicious demage and destruction of government property in Ologbo Dukedom in lkpoba Okha local government Area of Edo State.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Efe Ikponnwenoba adjourned the case to Monday 27th of June, 2022 for hearing the bail application.
The lyasere of Warri, Chief Johnson Atsetuleghe and others still at large are currently being arraigned for alleged conspiracy, unlawful damage of properties and warlike undertaking against the Enogie and people of Ologbo Dukedom as well as malicious damage of Edo State Tax Collectors properties.
The Defendant, Chief Johnson Atsetuleghe, the Iyasere of Warri and others at large are being tried on a seven count charge of assault and malicious damage of Edo State properties with Charge No: B/Co.126/22.
At today ‘s sitting, the presiding Judge, Justice Efe lkponwenoba refused oral bail application made by the Counsel to the defendant Eghedosa Imhandegbelo (SAN) for the defendant, Chief Johnson Atsetuleghe to be granted bail.
Director of Police Prosecutor, (DPP) Okunbor Orobosa Esq. told the court that the Defendant and others still at large committed the offence on the 2nd day of February, 2022, at Ologbo in the Benin Judicial Division of Edo State.
According to him,”you (Chief Johnson Atsetuleghe) did conspire with others still at large to carry on warlike undertaking malicious damage, punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 48, Vol. 11. l, Laws of the Defunct Bendel Atate of Nigeria, 1976 as applicable in Edo State.
“Also the Defendant conspire with others still at large to commit warlike undertaking punishable under Code Cap 48, Vol. 11, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 as applicable in Edo State.”
The State Counsel, Okunbor Orobosa objected to the oral bail application by the Counsel to Johnson Atsetuleghe and ugred him to formally file an application for bail.
The defendant, Chief Johnson Atsetuleghe pleaded not guilty to all the charges made against him.
However, Chief Johnson Atsetuleghe will be remanded in police custody while the court sits Monday 27th of June by 12noon for further hearing of the bail application.
