Police arraign 4 persons over alleged armed robbery

The police in Benin on Thursday arraigned four persons – Destiny Eweka, Ese Alu, Eseosa Imadiyu, and Omokaro Osazee – before a Benin High Court for alleged armed robbery.

The defendants are standing trial on a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and attempted murder.

The state counsel, Mr J.A. Odiri, told the court that the defendants and others at large committed the offences on Jan. 10, at Ring Road axis in Benin.

According to Odiri, the defendants were illegally in possession of one locally-made gun and one live cartridge without a valid licence.

He stated that the defendants, while armed with locally-made gun and cutlasses, robbed three people of their personal items.

“They robbed one Abel Omorobo of his Redmi phone, belt, and a pair of slippers.

“They also robbed one Wilson Ajakaye of his wedding ring, and one Lucky Omosigho of his neck chain, Samsung phone, and the sum of N850,000,” Odiri said.

He said the offences contravened Sections 247 and 243 of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022.

He said the offences also contravened Sections 1(1)(2)(a) and 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, LFN, 2004.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Our correspondent recalls that the four defendants were initially arraigned before an Oredo Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The court granted the defendants bail in the sum of N400,000 each with a surety who must be a house owner.

The case was subsequently transferred to the high court.

The judge, Justice Williams Aziegbemhin, upheld the magistrates’ court bail condition and adjourned the case until July 2 for hearing