Three siblings have been arraigned before an Edo State High Court, Benin City, over alleged conspiracy, perjury and giving false information under oath.
The siblings, two of who are lawyers, were arraigned before the court by the police on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, perjury, defamation and making false information.
In the charge sheet with Suit No. B/CD/210C/2025, the defendants were accused of allegedly conspiring among themselves between August 2015 and 2018 to commit acts of defamation and making false accusations.
The defendants are Samuel Obasuyi, Godwin Obasuyi, A.O. Obasuyi and Sons Sawmill Limited.
The prosecuting counsel, R.F. Dimka told the court that the accused persons conspired to have Barrister Dele Edokpayi, a senior lawyer, charged with offences relating to conspiracy and forgery of documents.
Dimka said the accused committed the offences despite allegedly knowing that the said Dele Edopkayi was innocent of the claims.
The counsel added that the alleged false information led to the arrest of Dele Edokpayi by the police and the subsequent investigation.
The charge also stated that the defendants allegedly conspired to forge title documents linked to the matter.
According to the prosecution, the offences are punishable under sections 412, 375, 101, 102(B), and 93 of the Criminal Code of Edo State.
When the charges were read, the defendants pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the defendants, G.E. Oaikhena, alongside three other lawyers, urged the court to grant the accused persons bail.
Oaikhena told the court that two of the defendants are legal practitioners and had previously been granted police bail, assuring the court that they would be available for trial.
The prosecuting counsel who did not oppose the bail application and asked the court to exercise its discretion.
Ruling on the bail application, the presiding Judge, Justice R. Irele-Ifijeh, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1 million each with one surety in like sum.
Justice Irere-Ifijeh ruled that each surety must be gainfully employed, provide an affidavit of means, and submit two recent passport photographs to the court.
She adjourned the case to July 1, 2026, for hearing.
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