Ex-NBA Benin Branch Publicity Secretary Appears In Court For Allegedly Stealing Stabilizer
By Simeon OSAJIE
Hearing of the case of alleged stealing of a stabilizer slammed on a former Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq., has again, suffered setbacks at the instance of the Prosecution.
When the matter was called, the trial Judge, Hon. Justice Williams Aziegbemhin, disclosed 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.
Counsel to one Ms Sandra Palmer-Kelvin, Abraham Oviawe, Esq., has expressed his reservation over delay of justice in the matter.
Oviawe Esq, told the court that there have been series of adjournments aimed at frustrating his client’s hope of getting justice.
In his words “My Lord, my client has been asking me one question which I’ve found difficult to answer.
She has been asking me if the Defendant is too big for the Judiciary?”
Oviawe, argued that plea was yet to be taken after the matter was instituted over a year ago.
The trial Judge, Hon. Justice Williams Aziegbemhin, who’s said the Lawyer had no difficulty answering the question, emphasized the need to give the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the benefit of doubt.
The matter was consequently adjourned to 4th March, 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 Publicity Secretary stole a stabilizer belonging to Ms Sandra 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 Sandra 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.
Earlier, when the case was mentioned before a former where it was pending, counsel to the defendant, Emmanuel Usoh, appealed to the court to give his client more time to resolve the issues.
