The murder trial of former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Sunny Bekanwa, and Henry Barikui-Dele has commenced before a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt.

Bekanwa and Barikui-Dele are facing seven counts of conspiracy, murder, and cultism.

At the resumed trial, Professor Patrick Wiyokpigi told the court that Bekanwa conspired with his boys and chased elites away from the community. He said he had warned Bekanwa against initiating young boys into cultism. He further said that he got Bekanwa arrested after the latter sponsored criminals to kill him in a hotel around Rumuomasi.

Wiyokpigi, who spoke from the witness box, averred that peace has returned to Kpean community since the day the accused were arrested.

The trial judge, Justice Chigozi Igwe, after listening to the witness, adjourned until February 26, 2024, for the continuation of cross-examination of prosecution witnesses.

Bekanwa and Barikui-Dele are facing trial for the murder of Doctor Lucky Keena and Engineer Deyaa Dunsara in Kpean community.