Governor Oshiomhole’s aide docked for allegedly criticising own boss

A Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, was on Thursday arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court for criticising the governor on social media.

He was also accused of unlawful possession of gun.

Mr. Ugbo, 47, was arraigned on a three-count charge of publishing an article against the governor in a manner likely to cause breach of public peace and illegally possessing a double barrel gun without a duly acquired valid license, an offence under Section 430 (2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 48, Vol. II, laws of the Defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 as applicable in Edo State.

Reading the first of the three counts, police prosecutor, Inspector S. E. Iredia said the governor’s aide committed the offence on April 12, 2016 at No 2b Ugbor Road in Benin City, Edo State.

The charge reads: “That you, Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, ‘m’, on the 12th April, 2016 at No. 2b, Ugbor Road, Benin City in Oredo Magisterial District did made a publication in internet, with the caption: “What’s wrong with my boss?”

“The ground breaking of Edo State own cement industry in partnership with a private company under Government Public Private Partnership and stakeholders, no State House Members or Speaker and National Assembly Member Presence Notice. Is Edo State now a personal business of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole?”

“Knowing same to be capable of disturbing public peace and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 59 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 48, Vol. II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976, as applicable in Edo State.

After listening to the accused person’s plea of not guilty, the Presiding Magistrate, C. A. Nwoha, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000.00 and a surety in like sum, who must own a property with Certificate of Occupancy in the district.

The magistrate adjourned the case to April 29 for trial.