By Osahon Osahon
Mr. Emmanuel Uti, lead counsel to Chief Ayiri Emami, on Wednesday disclosed that the embattled Ologbotsere of Warri has met his bail conditions.
Ayiri was on Wednesday arraigned at Magistrate Court 2 in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State for alleged theft of two royal crowns valued at N2 billion.
The popular Warri-based businessman was arraigned on three-count charge before Chief Magistrate, Mrs E H Diejomaoh, with charge No. MW/178 C/2021.
According to the prosecuting counsel, SP Sunday Irabor, told the court that Ayiri and others committed the crime on March 30, 2021 at about 11:30 pm, after they reportedly broke into the palace.
“That Ayirimi Emami others now at large on March 30, 2021 at about 11:30 pm at Olu Palace, Warri at the Warri Magistarial District did conspired among yourselves the commit felony to with Burglary and Stealing thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, Laws of Delta 2006.
“That Emami others now at large on March 30, 2021 at about 11:30 pm at Olu Palace, Warri did conspired among yourselves the commit felony to break into dwelling house of the Olu of Warri thereby committed an Offence Punishable Under Section 411 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, Laws of Delta 2006.
“That Emami others now at large on March 30, 2021 at about 11:30 pm at Olu Palace, Warri did stole two Crowns valued at Two Billion Naira, properties of Itsekiri Kingdom and thereby committed an Offence Punishable Under Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, Laws of Delta 2006”, the charge sheet read.
Ayiri, however, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to him.
He was subsequently granted bail by Chief Magistrate Diejomaoh. He was asked to provide two sureties and two million Naira each.
There was, however, rumours that Chief Ayiri remanded in prison following his failure to meet his bail conditions.
But reacting to the development, Chief Ayiri’s lawyer, Uti told NIGER DELTA TODAY that his client has fulfilled his bail conditions.
According to him, “Mrs Diejomaoh, Chief magistrate, granted bail of two sureties in like sum of N2m each. Two sureties to be level 15. Chief Ayiri was not remanded but was granted bail and has fulfilled all conditions and he is already at home.”
The case was adjourned to January 19, 2022 for further hearing.
