Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - The Edo State Police Command has arraigned no fewer than 30 suspected murderers, cultists, and others before a court in the state.
The suspects were arraigned on a seven-count charge
bordering on murder, cultism, conspiracy, armed attack, and membership of an
unlawful society, among others.
The police prosecutor, Polycarp Odion, informed the court
that the offences were committed on 1 May 2025.
Odion stated that the suspects, along with others still at
large, allegedly conspired among themselves to carry out an armed attack.
He further told the court that on the same day, within the
Benin Criminal Division and without lawful authority, the suspects allegedly
launched an armed assault against a section of residents in Benin City.
He also alleged that the suspects conspired among themselves
to commit murder.
The prosecutor added that, on various dates within Benin
City, the suspects and their accomplices at large were involved in conspiracy
and membership of an unlawful society.
He noted that the offences are punishable under Sections
412(2), 64, and 247 of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022.
Odion prayed the court to remand the accused persons in
custodial custody pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Counsel to the accused, however, urged the court to grant
them bail, arguing that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven
guilty.
The counsel further submitted that the suspects have
credible sureties who are willing to stand for their bail and ensure their
presence in court on adjourned dates.
The presiding judge, Justice Williams Azeigbemhin, granted
the accused bail in the sum of N1 million each, with one surety in like sum.
Justice Azeigbemhin adjourned the case to 19 May 2025 for
hearing.
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