AKHERE Godwin, Benin
Three siblings; Fome Amaye, Bola Amaye and Shola Amaye who allegedly stole the title documents of their late father’s properties (Engr Samuel Diden Yalaju Amaye) will know their fate on September 24, 2015 as Chief Magistrate J.O. Ejale (Mrs) will begin hearing in a criminal suit against them.
The accused persons arraigned in a consolidated three-count charge with No MOR/95c/2015 were said to have conspired to commit the crime at No 4, Ikeke Avenue, Off Agho Street in Benin City, an offence punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal code Cap 48, vol. 11 laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 now applicable in Edo State.
The court also heard that they allegedly stole a big brown envelope containing the title documents, properties of Late Engr. Samuel Diden Yalaju Amaye, with intent to defraud and conceal the documents which are evidence of the estate in land of their late father, an offence punishable under Section 390(9) and 393 of the criminal code.
In their appearances, Senior State Counsel, Mr S. Erhaze leading A.O. Enobabor told the court that their application was to consolidate the other cases involving the two other defendants into one charge sheet.
Counsel to the accused persons, J.O. Enebalulu Esq,, however, did not object to the application, even as he pleaded with the court to allow his clients remain in their former bail since they have not been found wanting.
Chief Magistrate Ejale (Mrs) considered the application and subsequently struck out the former Charge of MOR/705c/2014, MOR/60c/2014 and MOR/653c/2014 involving the accused persons before adjourning the case.
Enabalulu who led two others adduced that the cases were for consolidation, as he feared that it might go on low pace during trial if denied the process, even as they were not opposing the application.
Magistrate Ejale however, allayed the fears of the counsel and then adjourned the case to Monday August 31, 2015 for mention.
