By Emma Arubi

WARRI—A DELTA State High Court sitting in Warri, yesterday, granted bail to embattled spiritual head of oil-rich Ugborodo community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state, Priest Benson Omadeli, the Olaja-Oroii.

Trial judge, Justice Marshall Mukoro, admitted  Omadeli and three other accused persons, charged to court for sundry criminal acts by the state government, to bail in the sum of N15 million,  a level 14 serving officer and two sureties with landed property. The court ordered Omadeli to deposit his travelling documents and to report every Monday to the court.

Hundreds of Itsekiri youths took to the streets to celebrate the release of the accused persons. They had  wondered why the accused were kept for such a long period in prison custody, when the offence for which they were charged was bailable.

Speaking on the bail granted the Olaja-Oroii, Mr. Jolomi Metseaghanrun told Vanguard that the ruling had vindicated the state government that it has no interest, nor was it in favour of any faction in the community crisis that led to the death of one Oritseneye Efejuku and the hospitalisation of others.

Vice Chairman of Ugborodo Community Trust, Mr. Isaac Botosan, told Vanguard that they were requested to bring along all documents supporting their various positions in the fracas, adding that his 60 years old mothers’ residence was destroyed and valuables worth millions of naira stolen by some youths in Ode-Ugborodo during the crisis.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the community, led by Chief Thomas Ereyitomi and the faction led by Mr. David Tonwe, are currently in Abuja on the invitation of the Inspector-General of Police to state their case and fashion out a way forward for the return of peace to the troubled community.