By Imelda Osayande
The Edo Special Criminal Court has commenced hearing of the defence in the trial of four defendants over the alleged Airport Road Vegetable Market kidnapping, following the close of the prosecution’s case.
The defendants are Marvelous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27.
At the resumed hearing on Friday in Benin, the defence called its first witness, Marvelous Isaac, the first defendant, to testify.
Led in evidence by his counsel, Amechi Okwuzor, Isaac adopted his statement on oath as his evidence before the court.
Under cross-examination by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN), the witness denied knowing the second and third defendants.
He, however, admitted that the fourth defendant, Gift Raphael, is his girlfriend.
Isaac denied any knowledge of the Airport Road Vegetable Market and said he did not participate in the kidnapping of June 14 or in any other alleged incidents.
He also denied collecting ransom from any victim.
The defendant told the court that he did not admit to being a kidnapper when he was paraded by the police at the State CID, Benin.
He further denied giving money to his girlfriend between June 14 and June 21, as alleged.
Isaac stated that he does not drive and was not in the Lexus SUV allegedly linked to one of the victims.
He added that although he served as a Community Security Officer (CSO) in his community, he does not carry firearms and does not know how to shoot.
Justice Terry Momodu adjourned the case until Aug. 5 for continuation of the defence.
NAN reports that the defendants are standing trial over their alleged involvement in a kidnapping at the Airport Road Vegetable Market on June 14.
They are facing an 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.(NAN) www.nannews.ng