BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

BENIN—THREE suspects arrested by the State Security Service, SSS, for alleged murder of Comrade Oliatan Oyerinde, former Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, were yesterday arraigned before an Evboriaria Magistrate Court, Benin City.

They, however, denied involvement in the crime.

The suspects, Edeh Chikezie, 32, Raymond Oregbo, 24, and Muhammed Ibrahim, arraigned along with four others, alleged to be criminal receivers of stolen goods, were handed over to the Police by the SSS for prosecution.

Speaking to journalists shortly before their arraignment, the suspects admitted being armed robbers who have robbed several homes in Edo State but claimed not to have   participated in the murder of Oyerinde on May 4, 2012.

They also denied ever being to late Oyerinde’s house, just as they described the killing of the late Oshiomhole’s aide as unfortunate.

Meanwhile, the court presided over by Senior Magistrate Edo Asemota has ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison custody.

He also directed that the case file be duplicated and sent to the office of the  State Director of Public Prosecution for advice.