One Prince Rich Arisco-Osemwingi, was Wednesday, remanded in prison custody by a Senior Magistrates Court in Benin, Edo state for unlawfully coronating himself as His Royal Majesty, Ogiamen of Utantan in Benin nation.
PM News reports that Arisco-Osemwingie, a Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was arraigned alongside his brother, Patrick Osabuohien.
The accused persons were alleged to have conspired together on 9 September, at No. 97 Sakponba Road in Benin City to commit the unlawful coronation, an offence punishable under Section 517 of the criminal code, Cap 48 Vol 11 laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 now applicable in Edo State.
“The first accused, Arisco, was said to have allowed himself to be installed as a Traditional Ruler, His Royal Majesty, The Ogiamen of Utantan Benin Nation, as well as assumed the Chieftaincy title when he is not a chief, without the approval of the Executive Council of Edo State, an offence punishable under Section 20(2)(b) and 26 (1)(a)(11) of the Traditional Ruler Chiefs Law of Bendel State.
“The 2nd accused, Patrick and others now at large, were alleged to have carried out the said coronation without the approval of the Executive Council, thereby, committed an offence punishable under Sections 20 (2)(a)(b), 26(2)(a) and 249 (d) of the criminal code,” the Charge Sheet read.
The Counsel for the accused, Godwin Oiakhena, who led four other lawyers, cited Section 118 of the Criminal Procedure, as well as Section 36(5) of the Nigeria Constitution where bail was at the discretion of the court.
Oiakhena, however, prayed the court to grant his clients bail, saying that as gentlemen, they would not jump bail.
The accused persons reportedly pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
The Prosecution Counsel while objecting the bail application, described the 1st accused as a man of considerable means who has the capacity to interfere in the investigation of the trial as others were still at large.
Henry Idahagbon, Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who led an entourage of Senior Counsel of the Justice Ministry in prosecution, said, “The offence is synonymous to a traditional coup de tat capable of causing breach of peace, unrest and civil disorder in the society.”
Idahagbon therefore urged the court to refuse the bail application.
The duo was reportedly remanded on a 6 count charge of felony and misdemeanor before the Chief Magistrate of the court, Mrs. M.C. Ojobo, in Charge No. MOR/148c/2015.
Ojobo, in her ruling, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody.
She, however, adjourned the case to 29 September, for further hearing.
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