For alleged assault, malicious damage in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, a Warri, Delta State High Chief, Johnson Asteruleghe, the Iyesere of Warri Kingdom, has been docked before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Benin, Edo State High Court.
In charge No: B/Co 126/22, Chief Asteruleghe, 54 is currently facing a seven-count charge of assault and malicious damage.
The Director of Public Prosecution, Mr Okunbor Orobosa told the court that the defendant committed the offence on February 2, 2022, at Ologbo in the Benin Judicial Division.
Orobosa said that the Itsekiri High Chief carry-on warlike undertaking malicious damage, punishable under section 517 of the Criminal code, Cap.48. Vol.11. Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, 1976 as applicable in Edo State.
Besides, the defendant is also charged with conspiracy 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 defendant’s Counsel, Eghedosa Imhandegbelo (SAN) in his oral bail application urged the court to grant the defendant bail.
Countering, the DPP argued that the defendant should not be granted bail as he is fond of fermenting trouble when granted bail.
Citing previous criminal cases of murder against the defendant in which he was granted bail before committing the current offences, the prosecutor told the court not to entertain oral bail.
He advised the court to compel the defense counsel to put forward an application for bail in motion so that they can equally respond.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice Ikponmwonba adjourned the case to June 27 for a hearing of the bail application.
