Ex-Gov’s aide defiles minor as court reminds him in prison custody
A former Security Adviser to former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, Chief Richard Kpodo, was on Friday arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in Yenagoa, over his alleged involvement in the rape of minor.
The accused was charged with unlawfully detaining one Teke Blessing on June 20 at Etegwe, Yenagoa,with an intention to defile her.nHe was also charged with raping the said Blessing on the same day.nHowever, the accused pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.
His lawyer, Funilaifa Seibokuro, urged the court to grant the accused bail, which was opposed by the prosecuting lawyer, Ayibatonye Jumbo.
Seibokuro said that the offence for which Kpodo was arraigned was a bailable one, and assured that his client, a well-known politician, would be available to face trial.
He also said that Kpodo had medical challenges and pleaded that he should be granted bail on self recognition.
The prosecuting lawyer, in opposing, said that if granted bail, the accused would interfere and influence the prosecution witness and, hence, jeopardise his trial.
He also faulted the claim by the defence lawyer that the accused had medical challenge as there was no medical report to support it.
The court, presided over by Mrs E.T.M. Ere, adjourned the case until August 10 for ruling on the bail application and remanded the accused person in prison custody.
