THE Evbuoriaria Magistrate Court sitting in Benin City Thursday acquitted human and environmental rights activist, Rev. David Ugolor and one Wilfred Iserhienrhien of complicity in the murder of the Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Olaitan Oyerinde.
They were arrested in July by the police on the ground that one of Oyerinde's suspected killers mentioned Ugolor as their sponsor.
Ugolor and nine others were charged before the court for alleged conspiracy, armed robbery and the murder of Oyerinde at his Ugbor residence on May 4. The court had consequently ordered their remand in custody.
Ugolor was in police and prison custody for 41 days before he was granted bail by the magistrate court, which also sent the case file of the accused to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the state Ministry of Justice for advice.
At the hearing yesterday, counsel to Ugolor and Iserhienrhein, Olayiwola Afolabi referred the magistrate to the letter from the DPP, which exonerated his clients.
The Magistrate, Francis Idiake ruled that, "The 7th and 8th persons were arraigned before this court for conspiracy, armed robbery and murder. On the 7th of September, this court ordered the matter to be taken to the DPP.
"In the light of the advice of the DPP, which said that no prima facie has been established against them, it is hereby ordered that the accused be released unconditionally".
