From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin
Edo High Court yesterday issued a Bench warrant of arrest on Edo state Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Joshua Ibine for allegedly ordering the release of seven accused persons pending a subsisting motion for bail application filed defence counsel, J. O Emiator which was yet to be held by the court.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police was also alleged to have flouted the order of the court to produce the accused persons in court when the matter came up for hearing yesterday (12/03/201).
The accused persons; Osas Osawe, Peter Aruyinmwen,Stephen Osabuohien, Godwin Igbinijesu, ogbegie Michael, Osaigbovo Ehigiamusoe, Joseph Igbinijesu and others at large were alleged to have conspired among themselves to commit felony to demolish buildings of the traditional ruler of Evboewedo (Enogie Osarenogowu Onaghise) and other houses through rioting on 19th November, 2012.
They are facing an 18 count charge of conspiracy to commit felony contrary to/punishable under section 516 A of the Criminal Code Act Cap C38 of the Laws of the Federation 2004 as applicable in Edo State.
Justice J. Oyomire who gave the order after hearing counsel for the Prosecution said, “In view of the refusal, failure and/or neglect of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of State Criminal
Investigation Department, Benin- City.
The court ordered that the Deputy Commissioner of Police should be brought to court to explain why contempt proceedings should not be brought against him.
“He is to explain where he derived the authority to release the accused persons whose case was still pending before this court without any consent/authorization of this court and for his failure to produce
the accused persons in court as ordered”, Justice Oyomire said.
