From Ebohon Joan
The Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin has adjourned the trial of four men accused of kidnapping at the Airport Road Vegetable Market until July 24th,when the defence is expected to begin presenting its case.
The defendants, Marvelous Isaac, 32, Wisdom Michael, 36, Rufus Michael, 30, and Gift Raphael, 27, will open their defence after the prosecution closed its case.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru (SAN), led the prosecution and called two Investigating Police Officers, Inspectors Udeme Otite and Jimoh Oisaikhoba, to testify.
Otite told the court she was assigned to investigate the matter, while Oisaikhoba explained how statements were obtained from the suspects and presented several exhibits, including a Lexus Jeep allegedly recovered from the first defendant.
The court also inspected the vehicle, which was parked within the court premises.
According to the police officer, the SUV belonged to one of the alleged kidnap victims but had its number plate changed and was repainted from grey to red by the first defendant.
He further told the court that cash, a pump-action gun and a Tecno Spark 20 Pro mobile phone were recovered from the first defendant during the investigation.
The court also watched video recordings showing how the suspects’ statements were taken.
While being cross-examined by counsel to the first, second and third defendants, Amechi Onwuzor, the witness said two of the suspects made their statements in the presence of their mothers, who also signed the documents. He, however, admitted that some details he mentioned in court were not contained in his investigation report.
The witnesses were also cross-examined by Felix Imasuen, counsel to the fourth defendant.
Following the prosecution’s decision to close its case, Justice Terry Momodu adjourned the matter until .July 24th for the defence to open its case.
The four men are standing trial over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping incident that reportedly occurred at the Airport Road Vegetable Market on June 14th.
