An Oredo Magistrates’ Court in Benin on Wednesday remanded Arisco Osemwingie and Patrick Osabuohien in prison custody over the unlawful coronation of His Royal Majesty, Ogaiamien of Utantan in Benin nation.
The Attorney-General of Edo, Mr. Henry Idahagbon, told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on September 9 at No. 97 in Sakponba Road, Benin.
Edayagbo said that without the approval of the Executive Council of Edo Traditional Rulers installed His Royal Majesty, Ogiamien of Utantan Benin Nation.
He told the court that Osabuohien with others now at large installed Osemwingie as His Royal Majesty Ogiamien of Utantan, Benin Nation.
Counsel to the accused, Mr. Godwin Akhena, pleaded with the court to grant bail to his clients to enable them to provide evidence at the next sitting of the court.
But Idahagbon opposed bail application since other suspects were still at large and investigations still on.
He said granting the accused bail could influence the arrest of the others.
He said the offence was punishable under Section 517, 20 (2) (b), 20 (2) (a) (b), 26 (1) (a) (ii), 26 (2) (a) and 249 (d) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law of Bendel State of Nigeria 1979 now applicable in Edo.
The Magistrate, Mrs. M. C. Ojobo, remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned the case to September 29 for trial. (NAN)
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