A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, as Federal High Court 1, Benin City, ordered that a bench warrant be issued and served and for Sureties to show cause against Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen and Akpes Omorodion, the 1st and 2nd Defendants in a case involving the alleged suicide of Mrs. Lilian Omokhuale, daughter of Chief Omoruyi Oloton, Chief Executive Officer of Uyi Technical Limited. The incident occurred on October 7, 2022.
Following a police investigation, several individuals were arrested and arraigned in the Federal High Court,1, Benin City. The case, marked FHC/B/5C/2004, had six Defendants, including Chukwudi Mudiaga, Joy Noren, Vincent Uhunmwangho, and Blessing Jatto, listed as the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth defendants, respectively.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the first, second, and third defendants were absent, prompting strong criticism from the presiding judge, Hon Justice B.O. Quadri. The judge described the delays as a “circus show” and expressed frustration over what he called flimsy excuses from both the defense and prosecution.
Justice Quadri threatened to strike out the charges if the prosecution was not prepared, accusing the defence of playing pranks.
The Prosecutor, P. O. Odion Esq , applied for a bench warrant against Oghomwen and Omorodion due to their absence. Odion also informed the court of an amended charge dated July 15, 2024, reducing the defendants to four, two of whom were absent.
Counsel for the 1st and 6th defendants, O. I. Asenoguan, assisted by I. E. Iguodala and Adesuwa Ediae, apologized on behalf of Jessica Oghomwen for her absence. He stated that she was in Germany and could not return due to her limited leave out of work, having been in Nigeria from November 2023 to February 2024 to bury one of her parent. He also claimed she was indisposed, but the judge dismissed the excuse, citing the lack of a medical report or evidence on the court’s records.
Justice Quadri warned that the court might escalate the matter to the German authorities if Oghomwen continued to evade proceedings in the Charge.
Similarly, counsel for the third defendant, U T. Udochi, Esq. explained his client’s absence, claiming that the 2nd Defendant missed his flight from Abuja after attending a conference of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). The Presiding Judge deprecated the action of the Defendant having the luxury to attend a Conference, while he has a Charge hanging on his head.
Douglas Ogbankwa, representing the Nominal Complainant, stressed the importance of efficient justice delivery, urging all parties to ensure fairness to the victim, defendants, and society, as justice is a 3 way traffic. Ogbankwa indicated that Court Business is a serious business and not a tea party or child’s play and that even the most powerful Nigerians have submitted themselves for trial at the Federal High Court.
The case was adjourned to February 4, 2025 for further mention.
