Court grants bail to five suspects, denies police remand request

A High Court in Benin on Wednesday turned down a request from the police to keep five people in custody. They were brought to court on a three-count charge of willful damage.

The suspects are Osaigbovo Idemudia, Osasere Eria, Michael Atohengbe, Osamu Sadis, and Osahon Ezekiel.

They face charges of conspiracy and willful damage to property at the Owan Forest Reserve in Irue Village, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo.

The police charged the suspects over an alleged incident that took place on 7 November 2025 at the forest reserve.

However, the Vacation Judge, Terry Momodu, refused the police's remand request. He granted the defendants bail of ₦500,000 each, with one surety each.

In his ruling, Justice Momodu stated that the alleged offences were simple. He added that there was no evidence showing that the defendants had violated or skipped the administrative bail given to them by the police.

The judge then ordered the five accused persons to stay available and report weekly to sign an attendance register as part of their bail conditions.