Alleged theft case against ex-NBA publicity secretary adjourns to March 4

Hearing of the case of alleged stealing of a stabilizer slammed on a former Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin branch, Douglas Ogbankwa, on Monday further suffered setbacks at the instance of the prosecution.

It will be recalled that the case which was instituted over a year ago by the complainant, one Ms. Sandra Palmer-Kelvin, against Ogbonkwa, who is yet to take his plea, has experienced several setbacks.

However, upon calling the matter on Monday, the trial Judge, Justice Williams Aziegbemhin, informed parties in the case that there was a letter from the office of the new state Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), for adjournment of the case in view of a visit to the various Criminal Court Jurisdictions by the DPP.

Counsel to the complainant, Abraham Oviawe, has expressed reservation over an alleged delay of justice in the matter.

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

The counsel argued that the accused was yet to take his plea after the matter was instituted over a year ago.

Justice Aziegbemhin, while responding to the complainant’s counsel submissions, said that Oviawe should not have difficulty with his client’s question, maintaining that there was need for the court to give the new DPP the benefit of doubt.

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

The defendant is charged with alleged conspiracy to commit felony, forcible entry, willful damage, theft, aiding and abetting and forceful ejection. The prosecution alleged that Ogbankwa stole a stabiliser belonging to Ms. Palmer-Kelvin and also forcefully ejected her from her matrimonial home.

According to the prosecution, Ogbankwa and others, now at large, in January 2023, at 2nd Ugbor Road, GRA, Benin, within the judicial division, damaged door keys belonging to Ms. Palmer-Kelvin.

The offence, according to the prosecution, is 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.

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