A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City has adjourned to July 22, 2024 for further hearing on a case of alleged ‘aiding suicide’ of Lilian Omokhuale, daughter of Francis Omoruyi Oloton, the Chief Executive Officer of Uyi Technical Company Limited preferred against six persons in Benin.
The six persons are Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen, Akpes Omorodion, Chukwudi Akpotowho, Joy Noren, Vincent Uhunmwangho and Blessing Jatto.
In the resumed hearing of the case with suit No. FHC/B/5C/2024, the High Court Judge, Hon. Justice S. M. Shuaibu, said the adjournment was to enable the prosecutor, P. O. Odion take steps to properly serve all the defendants the charge sheet and proof of evidence.
Counsel to Joy Noren, the 4th defendant, Charles Edosomwan SAN had told the court that his client was not served the charge sheet and the accompanying proof of evidence.
Citing Section 382 (4,5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, he said that criminal summons ought to be served personally on defendant and where this is not possible or impracticable, the court may order that the counsel be served.
This submission was adopted by counsel to Blessing Jatto, and Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen the 6th and 1st defendant respectively, O. I. Asenoguan who also told the court that the 1st defendant was also not served.
The case is between Inspector General of Police and the six persons, who were also accused of money laundering, concealment of source of funds and operating specialized banking without valid licence.
The offences contravene the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Criminal Code Act 2004 and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020.
Recall that 40-year old Lilian Omokhuale on October 7, 2022 allegedly committed suicide in the GRA axis of Benin City, Edo state.
