By Our Reporter
A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City is set to issue a bench warrant against Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen and Akpes Omorodion, the first and second defendants in a case involving the alleged suicide of Mrs. Lilian Omokhuale, daughter of 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, Benin City. The case, marked FHC/B/5C/2004, has 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 defense of playing pranks.
The prosecutor, G. O. Odion, 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 first and sixth defendants, O. I. Asenoguan, assisted by I. E. Iguodala and Adesuwa Ediae, apologized on behalf of Jessica Oghomwen. He stated that she was in Germany and could not return due to limited leave, having been in Nigeria from November 2023 to February 2024. He also claimed she was indisposed, but the judge dismissed the excuse, citing the lack of a medical report or evidence.
Justice Shuaibu warned that the court might escalate the matter to German authorities if Oghomwen continued to evade proceedings.
Similarly, counsel for the third defendant, Udochi T., explained his client’s absence, claiming the defendant missed his flight from Abuja after attending a conference of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
Douglas Ogbankwa, representing the complainant, stressed the importance of efficient justice delivery, urging all parties to ensure fairness to the victim, defendants, and society.
The case was adjourned to February 4, 2025.