By Our Reporter
The sitting of the Federal High Court in Benin City for the case of alleged ‘aiding suicide’ of Lilian Omokhuale, daughter of Francis Omoruyi Oloton, the Chief Executive Officer of Uyi Technical Company Limited, could not hold on Monday due to the court Judge, Justice S. M. Shuaibu, being on an official engagement.
The defendants in the case are Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen, Akpes Omorodion , Chukwudi Akpotowho, Vincent Uhunmwangho and Blessing Jatto.
At the last sitting, the court had adjourned further hearing on the case with suit No. FHC/B/5C/2024 to July 22, 2024.
Justice Shuaibu stated that the adjournment was to allow the prosecutor, P. O. Odion, to properly serve all defendants with the charge sheet and proof of evidence.
Charles Edosomwan SAN, counsel to the 4th defendant, Joy Noren, informed the court that his client had not been served the charge sheet and the accompanying proof of evidence.
Citing Section 382 (4,5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, he argued that criminal summons should be served personally on the defendant, and if that is not possible, the court may order that the counsel be served.
This submission was supported by O. I. Asenoguan, counsel to the 1st and 6th defendants, Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen and Blessing Jatto, respectively, who also noted that the 1st defendant had not been served.
Counsels to both parties are expected to meet with the court registrar to agree on the next adjournment date.
The case, brought by the Inspector General of Police, involves charges against some defendants for aiding suicide, money laundering, concealment of the source of funds, and operating specialized banking without a valid license.
These offenses contravene the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Criminal Code Act 2004, and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020.
Lilian Omokhuale, 40, allegedly committed suicide on October 7, 2022, in the GRA area of Benin City, Edo State.
However, an audit report of Banks statements of Late Lilian Omokhuale has been released by investigators.
The report revealed the names of all those who engaged in the financial dealings with the said Late Lilian Omokhuale and the various finances involved.
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