Our reporter
The hearing of a case involving a former Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq., has once again been adjourned following a request from the Prosecution.
The trial, presided over by Hon. Justice Williams Aziegbemhin, was scheduled for hearing but was delayed after the new state Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) sent a letter seeking adjournment. The DPP cited the need to attend visits to various Criminal Court Jurisdictions as the reason for the postponement.
Counsel for the complainant, Ms Sandra Palmer-Kelvin, Abraham Oviawe, Esq., expressed his frustration at the repeated delays, noting that these adjournments were undermining his client’s hope for justice.
“My Lord, my client has been asking me one question which I’ve found difficult to answer. She has been asking if the Defendant is too big for the Judiciary,” Oviawe said, highlighting the prolonged period—over a year—since the case was initiated, during which no plea had yet been taken.
Hon. Justice Aziegbemhin urged patience, stating that the new DPP should be given the benefit of the doubt. The trial was consequently adjourned to 4th March 2025 for a definite hearing.
Ogbankwa faces charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, forcible entry, wilful damage, theft, aiding and abetting, and forceful ejection. The Prosecution alleges that in January 2023, Ogbankwa and others, who remain at large, forcibly ejected Ms Palmer-Kelvin from her matrimonial home at 2nd Ugbor Road, GRA, Benin, and stole a stabiliser belonging to her.
Additionally, the Prosecution claims that the Defendant damaged door locks at the property, acts punishable under sections 412, 56(1), 353, and 294(1) of the Criminal Law of Edo State 2022, as well as section 14(3) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law of Edo State 2021.
In earlier proceedings, the Defendant’s counsel, Emmanuel Usoh, had requested additional time to resolve the issues amicably. However, with no resolution yet achieved, the case continues to face significant delays.
The matter remains highly anticipated as it returns to court in March for further deliberations.
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