Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The trial in the case involving the alleged aiding of the suicide of Mrs. Lilian Omokhuale, daughter of Mr. Omoruyi Oloton, Chief Executive Officer of Uyi Technical Limited, has suffered a setback at the Federal High Court, Benin City.
The presiding judge, Justice B. O. Quadri, observed that the absence of the defendants — Jessica Oghomwen Iguodala, Akpes Omorodion, and Esther Eguomo Oisamoje, contravened the rule that all defendants must be present during proceedings.
At Tuesday’s sitting, only Jessica Oghomwen was represented by her counsel, Dele Igbinedion Esq., while the other defendants had no legal representation.
The complainant, Mr. Uyi Oloton, was represented by Chief Olayinwola Afolabi (SAN), supported by Idemudia Osifo, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Benin Branch, Douglas Ogbankua Esq., and others.
Before the adjournment, prosecution counsel, Polycarp Odion, filed an ex parte motion supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit seeking an order for substituted service of court processes on Jessica Oghomwen by posting them on the notice board of the Federal High Court, Sapele Road, to compel her appearance within 30 days.
However, Jessica’s counsel, Igbinedion, opposed the motion, describing it as premature and discriminatory since the prosecution sought the order only against his client, leaving out the other two defendants who were also absent.
He further described the motion as “prosecutorial persecution,” arguing that such an order would be futile as Jessica does not reside within the court premises and would therefore not see the notice if posted on the notice board.
He urged the court to dismiss the application, insisting that granting it would serve no practical purpose.
Responding, the prosecution counsel accused Jessica’s lawyer of attempting to undermine the court, describing his conduct as contemptuous.
He maintained that a defendant cannot raise an objection before taking a plea, which Jessica had yet to do.
Justice Quadri thereafter adjourned the case to December 3, 2025, at noon, to enable all three defendants to appear in court.