A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, presided over by Hon. Justice B.O. Quadri, has ordered the issuance of a bench warrant and directed sureties to show cause for the absence in court of Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen and Akpes Omorodion.
The people referenced here are first and second defendants respectively in the ongoing case involving the alleged suicide of Mrs. Lilian Omokhuale, daughter of Chief Omoruyi Oloton, CEO of Uyi Technical Limited.
The tragic incident which occurred in Benin City on October 7, 2022, has triggered widespread public interest.
The case, marked FHC/B/5C/2004, involves six defendants, including Oghomwen and Omorodion, along with Chukwudi Mudiaga, Joy Noren, Vincent Uhunmwangho, and Blessing Jatto. All six were arrested and arraigned following a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Omokhuale’s death.
During proceedings last Tuesday, Oghomwen, Omorodion, and the third defendant, Mudiaga, were absent from court, despite the case being critical in nature. The absence prompted a sharp rebuke from Justice Quadri, who expressed frustration over what he described as a “circus show.”
He lambasted both the defense and prosecution for what he called “flimsy excuses” and warned that the case would be dismissed if the parties continued to delay the proceedings.
The prosecutor, P.O. Odion Esq., applied for a bench warrant against the two absent defendants and also informed the court of an amended charge dated July 15, 2024, reducing the number of defendants to four, two of whom were still absent.
The prosecutor’s motion was supported by the judge, who highlighted the need for accountability and the importance of bringing the case to a swift resolution.
Counsel for Oghomwen, O.I. Asenoguan, apologized on her behalf, explaining that she was currently in Germany and unable to return to Nigeria due to limited leave from her employer.
Asenoguan further claimed that Oghomwen had been indisposed but failed to provide any medical documentation to support the claim. Justice Quadri rejected the explanation, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence, stating that if Oghomwen continued to avoid court proceedings, the matter would be escalated to the German authorities.
Similarly, counsel for Omorodion, U.T. Udochi Esq., explained that his client had missed his flight from Abuja after attending a conference of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). Justice Quadri expressed his dissatisfaction with this excuse, criticizing the defendant for prioritizing a conference over the serious charges he was facing. The judge made it clear that such delays would not be tolerated.
Douglas Ogbankwa, counsel for the nominal complainant, emphasized the importance of justice being served in a timely manner. He reminded the court that “court business is serious business, not a tea party or child’s play.”
He also stressed the need for fairness to all parties involved, noting that even powerful individuals in Nigeria have submitted themselves for trial before the Federal High Court.
The case, which has drawn significant attention due to its high-profile nature, was adjourned to February 4, 2025, for further mention.
