Olaitan Oyerinde was murdered on May 4

A Benin Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday discharged and acquitted a Human Rights activist, David Ugolor, charged with robbery and murder of Olaitan Oyerinde, former Principal Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo.

Another human rights activist, Willfred Iserhienrhien, was also discharged and acquitted for the same offence. He was charged along with Mr. Ugolor.

Mr. Ugolor and nine others were brought before the court for alleged conspiracy, armed robbery and the murder of Mr. Oyerinde at his residence on May 4.

The court had consequently ordered their remand in custody, while waiting for the Director of Public Prosecutions’ advice.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday, Afolabi Olayinwola, counsel to Mr. Ugolor and Mr. Iserhienrhien, told the court that he is in possession of the DPP’s advice dated October 29.

He said that the advice stated that no prima facie case had been made against the accused persons, adding, “and by virtue of that letter, my clients have no case to answer”.

Chief Magistrate Francis Idiake, who also acknowledged receipt of the DPP’s advice, said that he had taken into consideration the advice in the DPP’s report.

Mr. Idiake said, “There is no prima facie case against the accused persons, it is hereby ordered that the accused persons be released from prison custody unconditionally.”

NAN