EVEN after he was brutally murdered in broad daylight by persons suspected to be Ugborodo indigenes on Wednesday, September 23, 1998, the ghost of the late Chairman of Ugborodo Community Trust, Mr. Samuel Anunu Kpoli Matseagharun, has been tormenting his alleged murderers,  even about a decade after the dastardly act.
            ‘Metseagharun’ in Itsekiri Language, means, “I have not wronged you.” Its direct synonym in English Language is ‘Innocent.’ To those who knew him, the Late  Metseaghanrun was indeed innocent in the true meaning of the word. This, perhaps, explain why his innocent ghost has refused to depart from his alleged murderers, particularly the remaining 12 standing trial in court, until justice is not only done but also seen to be done.
            The judge presiding over the matter, Hon. Justice S.A. Ehiwario presently of the High Court, Asaba, had on July 9, 2003, ruled that 12 of the 32 suspects charged to court in 1999 in respect of the murder case, have a case to answer. The 12 accused (disciples) are the ones still standing trial today for the murder of Metseaghanrun.
            The 12 accused include a former Personal Assistant to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, Mr. Mofe Pirah, who is presently the Chairman of the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) of all Oil Producing Itsekiri Communities with Chevron Oil Company; Chairman of one of the controversial (Ugborodo) Community Development Committees (CDCs) created by Ibori in the three Warri Local Government Areas alone, Mr. Thomas Ereyitomi; and Mr. Jerry Boyikporo (a.k.a The General), among others.
            Like the saying goes, “in every 12, there is always a Judas,” Mr. Jerry Boyikporo (aliasTthe General) has turned out to be the Judas among the 12 accused (disciples). Perhaps, being haunted by the ghost of the late Metseaghanrun, he (Jerry) has absconded from the court, in his mind, to evade justice.
            The presiding judge seems to have stated clearly, however, that Jerry and indeed any of the other accused can only run but can never hide; as he is resolute to give his ruling even in their absence. Jerry’s lawyer had already addressed the court before his AWOL (Absent Without Leave).
            However, going on AWOL is not new to Jerry, “The General.” When the Ijaw invaded Ugborodo and decimated it during the heat of the Warri crisis, The General, who was supposed to be the Chief Defender of the Community among the youths on ground, was said to be the first to find an escape route through the bush path. He must have struggled with woman and children in the bush in a bid to escape the invading ‘Egbew’ boys.
            As at today, the judge seems to be operating on a lighting speed. The case has been coming up twice or thrice a week since the beginning of this month, even as lawyers standing for each of the accused 12 take their turn to render their address.
            The matter no longer moves at the snail-speed it was reputed for. No more alleged delay tactics by the defendants. In fact, the judge now fix dates for adjournments as against the liberty of allowing counsels to pick dates.
            Things are indeed though now in the court. If found guilty, some of the 12 accused may bag death sentence and or life sentence, while others may make do with between 15 to 20 years jail terms. A few others, may however, be left off the hook, if found to be innocent like the late Metseaghanrun.
            Give or take, final judgement may come before the court goes on vacation this year or immediately it resumes from vacation next October.