Police arraign 3 over alleged conspiracy, perjury in Edo

The police have arraigned three persons before the Edo State High Court over alleged conspiracy, perjury, defamation and making false statements. The defendants — Samuel Obasuyi, Godwin Obasuyi, and A.O. Obasuyi and Sons Sawmill Limited — were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, perjury, defamation and making false information. According to the charge […]

The police have arraigned three persons before the Edo State High Court over alleged conspiracy, perjury, defamation and making false statements.

The defendants — Samuel Obasuyi, Godwin Obasuyi, and A.O. Obasuyi and Sons Sawmill Limited — were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, perjury, defamation and making false information.

According to the charge marked Suit No. B/CD/210C/2025, the defendants allegedly conspired between August 2015 and 2018 to commit the said acts of defamation.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants falsely accused Barrister Dele Edokpayi of offences relating to conspiracy and forgery of documents, despite knowing he was innocent.

It was further alleged that the false information led to his arrest and subsequent investigation by the police.

The charge also stated that the defendants allegedly conspired to forge title documents connected to the matter.

The prosecution said the offences contravene Sections 412, 375, 101, 102(B) and 93 of the Criminal Code of Edo State.

When the charge was read in court, the defendants pleaded not guilty.

The defence counsel, G.E. Oaikhena, alongside three other lawyers, urged the court to grant bail to the defendants. Oaikhena informed the court that two of the defendants are legal practitioners who had earlier been granted administrative bail by the police, assuring the court that they would be available for trial.

The prosecuting counsel, R.F. Dimka (Esq.), did not oppose the bail application but left the matter to the discretion of the court.

Presiding Judge, Justice R. Irele-Ifijeh, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1 million each with one surety in like sum.

The judge further ruled that each surety must be gainfully employed, provide an affidavit of means, and submit two recent passport photographs to the court.

The case was adjourned to July 1, 2026, for hearing.