Ologbotsere, accused of stealing N2b Warri crown, gets bail

A magistrate’s court in Warri has granted deposed Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief Ayiri Emami, bail after his arraignment by police over missing N2 billion royal crowns at the palace of the Olu of Warri.

The crowns were declared missing shortly after the demise of the immediate past Olu, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

Emami and others at large were charged with conspiracy, burglary and stealing of ancestral royal crowns.

The Ologbotsere was arraigned Wednesday before Chief Magistrate E.H Diejomaoh on a three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and theft.

The offences are punishable under Sections 411, 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, Laws of Delta 2006.

He, however, pleaded not guilty of the charges when it was read to his hearing.

According to the charge number MW/178 C/2021, Emami and his accomplices allegedly committed the crime on March 30, 2021, at about 11:30 pm.

A part of the charge read: “That Emami, others now at large did steal two crowns valued at two billion naira, properties of Itsekiri Kingdom, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, Laws of Delta 2006.”

The case was adjourned till January 19, 2022, for hearing.