Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Renowned Benin-based legal practitioner, Dele Igbinedion, Esq., has formally withdrawn as counsel to Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen in the ongoing money laundering case before the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City.
His withdrawal followed the filing of a Notice of Change of Counsel, through which the defendant informed the court that she had engaged new legal representation.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday before Justice B.O. Quadri, Igbinedion informed the court that the notice had been filed by C.I. Ehikioya, Esq., of C.I. Ehikioya Law Firm, indicating that he would henceforth take over the defence.
Consequently, Igbinedion formally stepped down from further participation in the proceedings, ending his role as defence counsel in Charge No. FHC/B/53/2024, between the Inspector General of Police and Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen.
The notice also requested that all future court processes, including hearing notices and correspondence, be redirected to the new counsel, C.I. Ehikioya, Esq.
It also stated that the new counsel had been fully briefed to assume responsibility for the defence of the case.
Copies of the notice were served on the prosecution, represented by Police Prosecutor P.O. Odion Esq. of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Benin City, as well as on Dele Igbinedion Esq., formally notifying all parties of the change in legal representation.
Counsel to the nominal complainant, E.O. Afolabi, SAN, who appeared with Douglas Ogbankua Esq. and A.O. Enobabo Esq., did not oppose the withdrawal but submitted that the procedure ought to have been initiated by a Motion on Notice.
Following the proceedings, Justice B.O. Quadri adjourned the case until October 8, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
Recall that at the last adjourned date, the prosecutor had sought for more time to enable him gather additional information in furtherance of an earlier order of the court which had earlier granted an order for substituted service.
The prosecutor informed the court that the order had been executed through publications in The Nigerian Observer and Vanguard newspapers, as well as by pasting notices on the Federal High Court’s Notice Board.
Odion told the court that his application was anchored on Section 80, Part 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which empowers a prosecutor to seek the attachment of a defendant’s property where such a defendant is evasive or fails to comply with a court summons.
Quoting the provision, he said: “If a court has issued a summons or warrant and has reason to believe that the person has absconded or is concealing themselves to evade the service of the summons or execution of the warrant, the court may order the attachment of their property.”
He further cited Section 81 of the ACJA, noting that it authorises the court to order the attachment of any property, whether movable or immovable, belonging to such a suspect.
