Edo state High court has ordered the arrest of the state Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Mr. Joshua Ibine, for allegedly releasing some accused persons on bail even when their bail application was pending before court.
The police chief was also alleged to have flouted the order of the court to produce the accused persons in court when the matter came up for hearing yesterday.
According to the trial Judge, Justice J Oyomire, the DCP should explain where he derived the authority to release the accused persons without any consent/authorisation of the court.
The accused persons Osas Osawe, Peter Aruyinmwen, Stephen Osabuohien, Godwin Igbinijesu, ogbegie Michael, Osaigbovo Ehigiamusoe, Joseph Igbinijesu and others at large are facing an 18-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony.
They were accused of demolish buildings belonging to the traditional ruler of Evboewedo (Enogie Osarenogowu Onaghise) and other houses through rioting on November 19, 2012.
Justice J. Oyomire, who gave the order after hearing counsel for the prosecution said: “In view of the refusal, failure and/or neglect of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of State Criminal Investigation Department, Benin- City who released the accused persons on bail while their pending trial filed by the learned defense counsel, J. O. Emiator is still ongoing.
“It is ordered and I hereby order the Commissioner of Police, Edo state to arrest the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of state Investigation Department; and upon arrest, he should be brought to this court to explain satisfactorily; why contempt proceedings should not be brought against him.”
