
Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, of an Edo state High Court sitting in Benin City has ordered the remand of seven suspects involved in the recent crisis that engulfed the state house of assembly in Police custody pending determination of their plea.
The suspects were docked by the police for alleged possession of firearms
The suspects identified as Festus Agbonrenren, Odion Osayande, Ogbeiwe Wilfred, Morgan Uwaigboe, Osayomore Salami, Ifeoluwa Oladele, and Iginobaro Collins were arrested on August 6 within the premises of the Edo Assembly complex with five double-barrel long guns, two single barrel long guns, and 10 live cartridges.
They are alleged to have confessed that they were armed by persons in government.
Justice Ikponmwonba, ordered that the suspects be remanded in police custody till September 3 when their plea would be taken.
Counsel to the suspects, Mr Mattias Obayuwana told the court that there was an enrolment order directed by IG, adding that suspects were bided to have appeared in court tomorrow for hearing.
Mr. Obayuwana said he was shocked that the prosecuting counsel brought the suspects to court but the prosecutor said he was not aware of such order.
Justice Ikponmwonba adjourned the sitting to August 25 for originating motion with respect of enforcement of Fundamental Human Right
She however ordered that the suspects should not be brought along to court, adding that the court does not need the unnecessary attention that the presence of the suspects have generated.