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A judge's gavel.

Benin City — A Benin Chief Magistrates' court yesterday discharged and acquitted human rights activist, Rev. David Ugolor, and one Wilfred Iserhienrhien, who were charged with robbery and murder of Olaitan Oyerinde, the Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

Oyerinde, was murdered last May by unknown gunmen in his residence in Benin City.

Consequently, Ugolor and nine others were charged before the court for alleged conspiracy, armed robbery and the murder of Oyerinde.

Besides, the court had ordered the remand in custody of the accused while waiting for the Director of Public prosecution's advice.

But at the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to Ugolor Afolabi Olayinwola, informed the court that he was in possession of the Director Public Prosecution (DPP) report dated October 29, which said no prima facie case had been proven against the accused persons.

"And by virtue of that letter, my clients have no case to answer," Olayinwola said.

Chief Magistrate Francis Idake, who acknowledged receipt of the DPP's advice, ruled that "having taken into consideration, the advice in the DPP's report, that there is no prima facie case against the accused persons, it is hereby ordered that the accused persons be released from prison custody unconditionally."