19th September, 2022
By Jethro Ibileke
A 68-year-old man, Gabriel Ekhaigba, has been charged to court by the Edo State Police Command, for allegedly giving false information to the police that led to the arrest of three persons.
Also arraigned with the septuagenarian on a two-count-charge bordering on conspiracy and false information at the Oredo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, is 50-year-old Bashiru Ali
When the charges were read to the accused they both pleaded not guilty.
According to the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Olajide Mary Omonor, the duo and others now at large on 4 May, 2021, at the Edo State Police Command headquarters, Benin, in the Oredo magisterial district, did conspire together to commit felony to wit: false information.
She said the offense is punishable under section 516 of the criminal code Cap 48 Vol. 11 laws of defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, 1976 now applicable in Edo State.
On the second count, the accused and others now at large, were also alleged to have on the same day, month and year, at the State Police Command headquarters in Benin, in Oredo magisterial district, did give false information to an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Sunday Udoka (m), a police officer, being a person employed in the public service through written statements and addressed to the Commissioner of Police in the State.
The count two further added that the accused also wrote statements on May 6, 2021 where they alleged that one Umoru Yusuf (m), Jimoh Yusuf Mayo (m) and Kebiru Yusuf were involved in cultism, knowing same to be false.
The Prosecutor added that the false information caused ASP Sunday Udoka to perform a duty he ought not to have performed if the true facts were made known to him.
She noted that the offences are punishable under section 125 (1)(a) and (b) of the criminal code laws of the defunct Bendel State of 1976 now applicable in Edo State.
Counsel to the accused persons, Steve Oko, Esq, pleaded that the accused persons be granted bail, noting that the offenses are bailable.
The Police Prosecutor who did not object to the oral application for bail averred that the granting of bail is at the discretion of the Court.
The Presiding Magistrate, F. O. Oghahenhen, a senior Magistrate Grade II, granted the accused persons bail with the sum of N50,000 each, a surety in like sum who must be gainfully employed.
Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned till 11 October, 2022, for hearing.