Court acquits Delta PDP chieftain, Chief Gowon Egoide, accused of allegedly  sponsoring gun attack 

 The High Court of Justice, Ughelli Judicial Division, presided by Justice Onojovwo, has acquitted a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ughelli, Delta State,  Chief Gowon Egoide, who stood accused of purportedly backing an unidentified individual allegedly involved in the shooting of Mr. David Otega in last year.

After several adjournments, our sources indicate that the prosecution failed to furnish witnesses to substantiate their claims. Consequently, the court, citing lack of diligent prosecution, opted to exonerate the accused.

Responding to inquiries from our correspondent following his discharge, Hon. Chief Gowon Egoide recounted the genesis of the case, tracing it back to the eve of the gubernatorial elections in March 2023. He asserted that the incident stemmed from a dispute over land transactions, during which Mr. Otega was reportedly shot by an unknown assailant.

Egoide clarified that during an identification parade conducted by the authorities, Mr. Otega could not positively identify any suspects. Subsequently, he alleges, certain parties attempted to implicate him in the affair, leading to his arrest and subsequent bail by Zone 5 of the Nigeria Police Force.

Despite being granted bail, Egoide found himself facing charges recommended by the State Director of Public Prosecutions. However, as the proceedings unfolded, the prosecution struggled to produce witnesses willing to testify under oath. Consequently, the court ruled in favor of Egoide, deeming the case void due to lack of diligent prosecution.

Expressing his relief at the court’s decision, Egoide remarked, “I’m elated by today’s verdict. This case was built on falsehoods from the outset. My community members attempted to frame me by implicating my associates in this unfortunate incident. However, the truth has prevailed, and I have been vindicated.”

Egoide’s legal counsel, Barrister E. Ijewu, echoed his client’s sentiments, emphasizing the absence of credible evidence against Egoide throughout the proceedings.

With his name cleared, Hon. Chief Gowon Egoide looks forward to putting this chapter behind him and focusing on his continued service to his community and political endeavors.