Court issues bench warrant against 2 defendants in suicide case
Court issues bench warrant against 2 defendants in suicide case
A Federal High Court in Benin has issued a bench warrant against Jessica Iguodala-Oghomwen and Akpes Omorodion, first and second defendants in their alleged involvement in Mrs Lilian Omokhuale’s suicide.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that during Tuesday’s proceedings, the first, second and third defendants were absent, prompting criticism from Presiding Judge, Justice S.M. Shuaibu.
VMT NEWS recalls that Omokhuale, daughter of Uyi Technical Limited’s CEO, Omoruyi Oloton, died on Oct. 7, 2022
After police investigation,some persons were arrested by the police and arraigned in a Federal High Court in Benin city.
He expressed frustration over the delay, describing the case as a “circus show” due to what he termed flimsy excuses from both defence counsel and the prosecution.
He threatened that if the prosecution was not ready, he was ready to strike out the charge, adding that the defence was playing pranks.
The bench warrant against Oghomwen Jessica and Akpes Omorodion followed an application by the Prosecutor, G. O. Odion, who pointed out their absence at the hearing.
Odion also informed the court of an amended charge dated July 15, 2024, which now involved only four defendants, two of whom were absent.
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Counsel for the first and sixth defendants, O. I. Asenoguan, assisted by I. E. Iguodala and Adesuwa Ediae, apologized on behalf of his client, Jessica Oghomwen.
He explained that she was currently in Germany and could not return to Nigeria due to her limited leave period, having been in the country from November 2023 to February 2024.
He added that Oghomwen was indisposed, but the judge dismissed the claim, emphasizing the absence of a medical report or supporting evidence.
Justice Shuaibu cautioned Asenoguan about the serious implications for Oghomwen, should the court escalate the matter to German authorities with a covering note.
“Similarly, counsel for the third defendant, Udochi Timothy, explained his client’s absence, stating that the defendant, a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), missed his flight from Abuja after attending an NSE conference.
Douglas Ogbankwa, representing the complainant, emphasized the need for efficient justice delivery, urging legal representatives to ensure fairness to the victim, defendants, and society at large.
The case was adjourned to Feb. 4, 2025.
Court issues bench warrant against 2 defendants in suicide case
