Extra-Judicial Killing: Appeal Court Reserves Ruling On Bail Application Of Suspects

The Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, has reserved ruling on bail application filed by the counsel to the appellant, Corporal Adeleke Adedeji over the alleged killing of one Benson Obode. Late Obode, 25, was murdered over an alleged car theft in Benin City in May 2015, by Corporals Adeleke Adedeji, Abena John, Oniyo Musa, Henry Shobowole and Constable Joseph Omotosho and were later arraigned before a Federal High Court on a seven-count-charge which included murder and stealing. Counsel to the appellant, Matthew Osas Oghogho had approached the court with a bail application on behalf of his client, Adedeji to enable him seek medical attention. Oghogho informed the appellate court that several bail applications made to the lower court have been turned down by the court and urged the court to grant his client bail, arguing that his client will not jump bail. Counsel to the deceased, Charity Ebosele while opposing the bail application asked the court not to grant the appellant’s bail application, saying that the accused person was not sick as claimed by his lawyer. She said the several applications filed by the accused person were aimed at frustrating the process of getting justice. The presiding judge, Justice J.O. Bada having listened to both counsels, advised them not to be overwhelmed with emotions but should handle the matter professionally. Justice Bada however reserved ruling till a date yet to be fixed.]]>