Theft Case Against Former NBA Publicity Secretary Adjourned To March 4
The hearing of an alleged theft case involving Douglas Ogbankwa, a former Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin branch, has been postponed to March 4, following delays initiated by the prosecution.
The case, instituted over a year ago by complainant Ms. Sandra Palmer-Kelvin, accuses Ogbankwa of stealing a stabilizer and forcibly ejecting the complainant from her matrimonial home. Despite the prolonged timeline, the defendant has yet to take his plea.
During Monday’s session, Justice Williams Aziegbemhin informed the court of a letter from the newly appointed state Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requesting an adjournment due to an official visit to various criminal court jurisdictions.
The complainant’s counsel, Abraham Oviawe, expressed dissatisfaction with the delays, alleging they were aimed at frustrating his client’s pursuit of justice. “It has been over a year since the matter was instituted, and the defendant has yet to take his plea,” Oviawe stated.
Justice Aziegbemhin urged patience, emphasizing the need to give the new DPP the benefit of the doubt before proceeding.
The charges against Ogbankwa include conspiracy to commit felony, forcible entry, willful damage, theft, aiding and abetting, and forceful ejection. The prosecution alleges that Ogbankwa, alongside others still at large, damaged door keys and stole a stabilizer belonging to the complainant in January 2023 at 2nd Ugbor Road, GRA, Benin.
The offences are said to contravene 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.
The case is now set for a definitive hearing on March 4.
