Justice Mary Itsueli of Benin High Court, yesterday, remanded the Secretary to Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor and six others in prison custody for alleged engagement in illegal demolitions.
The accused persons were arraigned on a six-count charge, bordering on forceful take over of land and illegal demolitions of buildings at Ulegun village in Ikpoba-Okha Local Council of Edo State.
Others are Chief Oko-Oboh, Aghavbere Osawemwrnguan, Abel Oko Oboh, Tuesday Atagamene, Okechukwu Okeke and Ode Ikoko.
The police accused them of illegal demolition of over 60 houses, worth N500 million in the village.
The charge reads in the part: “That you did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a felony to wit: promoting inter-communal war, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“That you did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a felony to wit: forceful takeover of land, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“That in August. 28, 2022, at Ulegun Community, in Benin City, in the Benin Criminal Division, you did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: malicious damage, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
They were also accused of wilfully and unlawfully damaging about 60 houses, belonging to different persons at Ulegun Community, valued at N500 million, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of Nigeria, 2004.
After taking their pleas, the Legal Officer with the Nigeria Police, Polycarp Odion, told the court that the charge file had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.
He urged the court to remand the accused in prison pending the advice, noting that the charges were grievous.
In her ruling, Justice Itsueli granted the application of the legal officer and adjourned the case to September 15.
