Court Grant Former Edo SSG Bail Over Corruption,As Supporters Attack Journalists

Some journalists were attacked, on Friday, at the trial of a former Secretary to the Edo State Government, Dr Simon Imuekheme and three others at a Benin high court.

The attack occurred outside the court premises by supporters of the accused.

The court had sat on the bail application by counsel for the accused, who are standing trial for charges bordering on alleged diversion of N113 million belonging to the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB).

Others who are standing trial alongside Dr Imeukheme are the immediate past chairman of SUBEB, Sir Joseph Emoabino; Director of Finance and Accounts, Aghator Gaskin and Secretary, David Eson Igbinoba.

The accused were remanded in prison custody on Monday when the case was first heard.

On Friday, after listening to the submissions of counsel on both sides, Justice Esther Edigin said the accused were entitled to bail and described the issue of additional charges as frivolous and anticipatory.

Justice Edigin held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not present any past criminal records of the accused.

She, therefore, granted the accused bail in the sum of N3 million and one surety each in like sum. The surety, according to her, must be a land owner in Benin City.

The case was adjourned to June 23.

Cameraman of Channels Television, Osatohanmwen Egbe and a reporter of the Nation Newspapers, Osagie Otabor, were attacked.

Mr Egbe had positioned himself to take the photographs of Imeukheme when he arrived at the court in a Hilux van belonging to the Nigerian Prison Service when the supporters pounced on him and attempted to seize his camera.

Egbe was manhandled and prevented from taking pictures.

The attackers also smashed the mobile phone of the reporter of the Nation and prevented him from taking shots.