UNIBEN CSO Arraigned In Court Over Stealing

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Thursday, December 24th, 2015

By Ignatius Okpara, Benin City

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the University of Benin, (UNIBEN) Edo state, South-South Nigeria, Mr. Umar Otokiti, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Ekiadolor Magistrates’ Court in Ovia North East Council Area of the state over alleged stealing.

Otokiti, who is a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, was arraigned alongside one Osayande Osaro on a three-count charge of stealing, breaking and entry.

They were alleged to have broken into the home of one Dr. Emmanuel Irabor, a lecturer in the University, on November 14.

Similarly, the suspects were accused of allegedly carting away property valued over N27 million from Dr. Irabor’s house.

The accused persons however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

If found guilty, the offences are punishable under sections 516, 411 (1), and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol.II Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 as applicable in Edo State.

Franca Oghator, the Magistrate, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N500, 000 and a surety in like sum who must be gainfully employed.

She later adjourned hearing on the matter till February 20th, 2016.