Lawyer Frowns at Delay in Trial of Ogbankwa, Ex-NBA Publicity Secretary Over Alleged Theft of Stabiliser

 

                                                Ogbankwa 

Hendrix Oliomogbe 

Legal fireworks in the case of alleged theft of a stabilizer against a former Publicity Secretary of the Benin, Edo State branch of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), Douglas Ogbankwa,, has again suffered setback at the instance of the prosecution.

When the case came up Monday, January 13, 2025 Justice Williams Aziegbemhin, revealed that there was a letter by the new state Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), for adjournment in view of a visit to the various Criminal Court Jurisdictions by the DPP.

In line with the adage which holds that justice delayed is justice denied, Abraham Oviawe, counsel to the petitioner, Sandra Palmer-Kelvin expressed reservation over the delay of justice in the matter.

Oviawe told the court that there have been series of adjournments aimed at frustrating his client's hope of getting justice.

He declared: "My Lord, my client has been asking me one question which I have found difficult to answer. She has severally asked me if the defendant is too big for the judiciary?" 

Oviawe said that plea was yet to be taken after the matter was instituted over a year ago.

Justice Aziegbemhin emphasized the need to give the new DPP, the benefit of doubt, saying the lawyer had no difficulty answering the question.

The matter was consequently adjourned to March 4, 2025 for definite hearing.

Charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, forcible entry, wilful damage, theft, aiding and abetting and forceful ejection, the prosecution alleged that the ex-NBA scribe stole a stabiliser belonging to Palmer-Kelvin and also forcefully ejected her from her matrimonial home.

Ogbankwa and others, now at large had in January 2023, at 2nd Ugbor Road, GRA, Benin, within the judicial division, damaged door keys belonging to Sandra Palmer-Kelvin, an offence  punishable under sections 412, 56(1), 353, 294(1) of the Criminal Law of Edo State 2022 and section 14(3) of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law of Edo State 2021.

Emmanuel Usoh, counsel to Ogbankwa,  however appealed to the court to give his client more time to resolve the issues.